Summary

The Durham VA Medical Center is seeking a few Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists (DRTs) to perform a comprehensive range of radiographic examinations to support inpatient - outpatient - and Emergency Department patient care. The DRT ensures high-quality imaging - patient safety - and accurate documentation while upholding VA standards. This role requires technical proficiency - strong clinical judgment - and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

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:

• Grandfathering Provision - May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• (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
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-6 Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning
• Knowledge of all patient safety procedures
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment
• Ability to learn basic computer functions
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-7 Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• or successful completion of an advanced registry program - with certification - in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards - minimum radiographic exposure techniques - appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area - and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures
• Knowledge of computed radiography - CR readers and Digital Imaging systems
• Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-8 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• 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 5 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.DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification
• 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 8 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 6 to 8.

Duties

• The incumbent performs limited - advanced level/specialized CT imaging that includes but not limited to cardiac CTA - lower extremity arterial run-offs - venograms - pituitary/ sella brain parathyroid 4-D neck - mesenteric ischemia - cystograms - and interventional procedures such as adrenal and pancreas biopsies and chest abscess drainages by standardized protocols as determined by demonstrated competency with each exam protocol under minimal direct supervision
• Prepares and administers iodinated contrast media that are indicated for selected CT exams and procedures in accordance with examination protocols and manufacturer guidelines to determine the appropriate injection volume of the contrast agent being used
• Technologists must posses a thorough understanding of the safety considerations and guidelines related to handling - storing - and administering contrast media to ensure a safe environment of care
• In addition - Technologists must strictly adhere to departmental policies and procedures related to contrast administration to avoid harm to injury to the patient
• Technologists must also be continuously on the alert to monitor the patient's condition before - during - and after contrast injection to identify and appropriately respond to potential anaphylactic reactions
• Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• This requires the ability to prioritize schedules patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery - etc
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams
• Determines technical factors - positioning - number and thickness of scans - etc - - to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning
• Schedule patients for examinations
• Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examinations results
• Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention
• Ensures all images and associated series are transmitted to the PACS immediately upon completion
• Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists (DRTs) perform a range of duties that require advanced certification and specialized skills
• Their responsibilities include: Operating in advanced imaging modalities: Advanced modalities include specialties such as - MRI - CT - and Mammography
• Technologist must be registered in an advanced specialty
• Performs computerized axial angiography exams per protocols
• Performs reconstructions of CT
• angiography studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 0830-1700 or 1230-2100 (Every other weekend) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.