The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)- Mammography Technologist is responsible for the performance and coordination of diagnostic radiology examinations and procedures at VA Northern California HCS, Radiology Department, Mather, CA. Primarily operates mammography equipment to provide diagnostic images for the diagnostic interpretations by a radiologist. Secondarily performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination and procedures using diagnostic x-ray equipment. 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 REQUIRENMENTS: 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). 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. Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. 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: 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). 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. Physical Requirements. A physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position. English Language Proficiency. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). GRADE REQUIRENMENTS Creditable Experience: Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or nonpaid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time work week. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be met for the GS-10 level. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 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. Specialized Assignment: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25, December 13, 2019The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10. ["Duties include but are not limited to the following: Advises Radiologist Physicians of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing the examination. Participates in the training of physicians, physician residents, students, and radiology technicians so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of mammography and how it related to other diagnostic exams. Explains the procedure to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood. Interviews patients for history of previous mammography, breast disease and breast invasive interventions, assesses mammography risk factors and medical history. Provides patient education prior to performing the mammography procedure addressing the patients concern and promotes the need for periodic patient self-examinations. Performs routine procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate mammography records including editing and when appropriate registering patient exams in Vista. Schedules exams in a manner to optimize all mammography procedures and the coordination of equipment, while maintaining flexibility to allow for emergency cases. Performs screening mammography for the detection of physiological change in the breast tissue which may indicate cancer or other disease process. Recognizes and accommodates patients with post radiation changes as well as patients who have undergone mastectomies. Performs diagnostic mammograms on patients with identified breast problems, following abnormal screening mammograms, or short interval follow up imaging recommendations. Performs numerous additional mammographic projections including spot compression, magnification, cleavage views, axillary tail, tangential exaggerated craniocaudal views, 90-degree lateral mediolateral, 90-degree lateral lateromedial views, caudocranial, lateromedial oblique, superolateral to inferomedial oblique views, and Eklund's views of the breast with implants. Checks for technical quality of images included but not limited to: Adequate positioning, adequate amount of tissue, no skin folds, nipple in profile at least on one view per breast, include inframammary fold and adequate pectoralis muscles on an MLO view, adequate compression and patient motion, artifacts, accurate labeling of images. Prepares facilities in accordance with procedural requirements, calibrates equipment as required by the institution. Responds to patient questions and concerns regarding exam procedures and process. Prepares and positions patient for procedures as appropriate; assists patients at end of procedure. Understands and uses correct exposure factors, compression and angulation to produce high quality images. Monitors the patient's physical condition and ensure their comfort during the procedure; report patient change of status or emergency situations to clinical staff, supervisor and/or Radiologist. Determines if the procedure was enough, or if additional imaging procedures are needed. Provides images, data analysis, and patient information to the physician for diagnostic interpretation. Travel 25% for coverage as needed Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 08:00-16:30 Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 612-00509-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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