The VA San Diego is hiring a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist to perform technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. Work will consist of general diagnostic radiology of the entire body, performed with and without the use of contrast materials. 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Certification: Certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT)(R). 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 (JCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-05: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-06: Experience/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: AND Candidates must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). (NOTE: experience must be demonstrated in your resume in order to receive credit): 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 GS-07: Experience/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: AND Candidates must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). (NOTE: experience must be demonstrated in your resume in order to receive credit): Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. 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. GS-08: Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; AND Candidates must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). (NOTE: experience must be demonstrated in your resume in order to receive credit): 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. Preferred Experience: CRT in Radiography and Fluoroscopy highly preferred, and experience in a hospital setting. 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-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, moderate carrying, reaching above shoulders, use of fingers and hands required, walking, standing, and repeated bending. ["As a General Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist you will perform general diagnostic radiography of the entire body, with and without the use of contrast materials. You will operate radiology equipment, both mobile and fixed, and assist the radiologist with fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. You will assist surgeons in the operating suite in performing complex fluoroscopic procedures including angiographies. Duties include, but are not limited to: Interpreting and carrying out requests made by physicians. Explaining procedures and positioning patients for desired results. Performing radiographic exams of the head, spine, chest, abdomen, and extremities by using digital diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, tomographic units, and general diagnostic unites. Preparing contrast materials, under the direction of the radiologist, for the purpose of performing exams requiring injection of contrast such as cystograms, cholangiograms, fistulagrams, and arthrography, and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. Operating a wide variety of computerized equipment such as Direct Digital Radiography (DR), Digital Fluoroscopy, Computer Acquisition and post-processing workstations, PACS viewing stations, WEBPACS desk top viewing software and hospital computer systems. Determining technical factors (i.e., calculating the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage), setting controls and operating equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Supervising student Radiologic Technologists. Maintaining cleanliness and adequate stock levels of supplies in your assigned area. Scheduling and registering patients for examinations and updating statuses as necessary, and performing clerical duties as they relate to patient care within the section. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.