Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-General/CT/Bone Densitometry (Dual Modality)

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• 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 (DOE)
• NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Grade Determinations: GS 9 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 8) - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• 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
• 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 interrelationship 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
• General Radiologic Technology (R)
• DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals 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)
• Bone Densitometry (BD)
• This non-invasive test measures bone mineral content to diagnose a systemic skeletal disease (osteoporosis) characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural distortion of bone tissue - with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture
• The candidate must demonstrate the experience above as well as the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1.*Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• 2
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• 3.*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• 4
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• 5
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• 6
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Light to Moderate lifting and carrying - up to 44 lbs
• Limited to 35lbs
• with straight pulling
• pushing
• reaching at and above shoulders
• use of both hands and fingers required
• walking and/or standing (6- 8hours)
• crawling
• kneeling
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Physical Environment: The size and layout of the facility must be adequate to allow for patient comfort - privacy and special needs as well as fostering appropriate workflow
• This includes areas for imaging exams - control rooms - processing - image interpretation - patient changing - recovery/post-procedural care - waiting - administration - storage - record filing - medical physics services - engineering services - and staff
• Hospital Care setting.

Duties

• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-General/CT/Bone Densitometry position is in the Diagnostic Imaging Service at the VA Maine Healthcare System located at the Augusta - ME location
• This position is full time at 40 hours per week
• Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures
• These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units - the chest unit and general diagnostic units
• Duties include - but are not limited to: Direct radiography - computed radiography and digital imaging are used to capture and process images
• Performs DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorbtiometry) bone density exams of spine - femur and extremities
• Performs fluoroscopic imaging during examinations conducted by other providers
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist for examinations requiring injectable solutions such as IVP - cystogram - cholangiograms - and arthrography and barium suspensions - and CT Contrast - for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract
• Performs all linear and complex motion tomography and is familiar in setting up the machine and setting factors for density control
• Advises Radiologists - participating providers or referring physicians of examination results and notifies them of examinations requiring their immediate attention
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient - staff and self
• Performs imaging using direct radiography - computed radiography - and computed tomography
• Knowledge of procedures results in accurate and properly processed radiographs
• Performs computerized axial tomographic scanning of heads and/or bodies
• Schedules patients for examinations
• Maintains records of CT patients examined - examination performed - scans taken and type of scans
• Performs bone densitometry examinations utilizing the Hologic DEXA scanner
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• Trains students in radiographic technique including positioning - exposure factors - patient identification - and environmental factors which result in optimal imaging and meet the needs of the students during their rotation at this facility
• In absence of Lead technologist - performs daily checks/calibrations on equipment (crash cart - DR room CR systems - and CT Scanner Room) to ensure correct function
• Assists with other functions such as reception - registration - patient preparation - maintenance of records - as well as other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Full time - variable tours - weekends - holidays - on-call Compressed/Flexible: Not authorized Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: F03190 Recruitment/Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized EDRP Authorized: - Authorized - Contact Hannah.nielson@va.gov EDRP Coordinator for questions or assistance on how to begin the application process
• Learn more Assignment Code - 43 Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Notifications: This position is in an AFGE Bargaining Unit
• This position is in the Excepted Service
• This position is covered by a special salary rate
• Current and former Federal employees may submit copies of their most recent SF-50 - (Notice of Personnel Action)
• The SF-50 must identify the position title - series - grade - step - tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted)
• In some cases - more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held
• No award SF50's will be accepted
• Narrative responses to the knowledge - skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.