Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General Radiology)

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

01Basic Requirements

General Radiologic Technology (R). DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals 4 or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations.

All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS). United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Certification-Documentation required.

All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Education-Submit documentation.

Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). Credentialing Standards.

Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date (12/13/2019) of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation.

02Grade Determinations

In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8 Grade Requirement Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.

Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level.

Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-8.

03Physical Requirements

The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending, lifting, and carrying of light items such as CR film cassettes. There is occasional moderate exertion such as lifting multi-exposure film cassettes or assisting other technicians in lifting and positioning patients. Heavy lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees.

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist provides comprehensive general diagnostic radiology services at Jacksonville VA Clinic 1 under the direction of a physician. Responsibilities include operating both fixed and mobile radiographic equipment, performing a variety of diagnostic imaging examinations, and assisting radiologists during fluoroscopic procedures to support accurate diagnosis and patient care.

The technologist serves as a clinical mentor to radiology students by providing instruction, guidance, and hands-on support throughout all phases of their clinical rotations. Occasional travel to other imaging clinics within the North Florida/South Georgia Diagnostic Imaging Service may be required to perform general radiology duties and support operational needs.

Functions include but are not limited to: Interpret requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinicians and will independently make routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries. Operate a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain high quality images. This includes, but is not limited to, general diagnostic exams, fluoroscopy procedures, portable radiographs, and C-arm procedures in the Operating Room, Pain Clinic and other settings as needed.

Determine technical factors and set controls ensuring that portions of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Perform and complete imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent and routine exams. Positively identify each patient by asking for two (2) forms of identification. This includes but is not limited to, full name, full social security number, or date of birth.

Set up and operate a variety of ancillary equipment within the department including but not limited to, oxygen tanks and regulator, vital sign monitors, defibrillators, and suction equipment. Ensure that relationships with management, co-workers, students, patients and others within the organization are consistently courteous, respectful, cooperative in nature, and overall contributes positively to the effective operations of Diagnostic Imaging.

Practice radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Perform clerical, scheduling and file room duties as they relate to patient care within the section as assigned. Maintain supplies and cleanliness in assigned work areas in accordance with infection control and EMS standards. Work Schedule: 9am - 5:30pm Tuesday through Friday and 7:30am -4pm Saturday Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 51123F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized