Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. 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. Basic Requirements: Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable]. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently] and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. [In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 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. 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 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. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: (a) [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist]. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Computed Tomography (CT)This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. This position requires advanced ARRT CT certification and works independently in both General Diagnostic and CT departments administering a variety of exams to patients. At least 25% of the position is required in CT. Physical Requirements The technologist will perform Imaging studies while sitting or standing and will be required to make trips to the patient waiting room and reading rooms. There will be standing, bending, and carrying of light items, such as carrying paperwork, and operating heavier items such as utilizing the mobile x-ray machine, and utilizing the C arm in the Operation Room. This requires repositioning of the camera during an OR procedure or during a portable X-ray completed on the unit. Technologists will need to assist with the transfer of patients from stretcher or wheelchair to the radiographic table for Computed Tomography and/or General Imaging studies. Must be able to lift/move 40lbs or more. ["Employees at this grade level are to be qualified to provide services in Diagnostic Radiology in areas of radiologic technology, computed tomography (CT), and/or general radiologic technology services. Some duties include, but are not limited to: Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician and/or Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Operates radiology equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Supports radiologist or other medical officers to produce CT studies used to diagnose medical conditions. Prioritizes exams in a manner so as to optimize Clinicians needs and patient throughput while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Confers with Radiologists to determine requirement of nonstandard exams. Performs CT procedures, including spine, head, abdominal and pelvic studies, chest, neck, extremities, special procedures and cardiac studies. Performs peripheral and CTI angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities i.e. renal, hepatic, mesenteric, and specialized cardiac studies etc. Performs all exams utilizing best infection control practices. Works with the Radiologist as a member of the Imaging team. Prepares contrast materials both oral and intravenous. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Performs image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the Radiologist or as part of a given study. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Properly identifies patient images. Responsible for the intravenous injection of contrast media. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all procedure supplies and related materials. Performs irregular hour emergency scans on standby, 24 hours per day, coverage. Continually reviews new developments in the field of CT. Prepares images and dates for transfer to the hospital PACS for interpretation by the Radiologist. The incumbent will also perform the following responsibilities: Transfer patient from stretcher or wheelchair to CT table Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures. Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures. Maintains data logs of material used by entering information into CPRS/PACS computer. Observe patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events. Transfers images to PACS for interpretations. Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and/or quality improvement activities of the Imaging Department. Provide guidance/assistance to staff in the Interventional Radiology section. Practice hospital safety, radiation safety, infection control and universal precautions at all times within age and/or gender specific departmental guidelines."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
