Summary

The Eastern Oklahoma VA Medical Center is recruiting for one Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist position at the Tulsa, OK location.

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:

• 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.] Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates
• Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate ORT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. §
• 7405(c)(2)(8)
• The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a ORT that provides care under the supervision of a certified ORT at or above the full performance level
• This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician
• For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified
• Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment
• 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).] English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d)
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technician, GS-5 Experience or Education
• None beyond the basic requirements
• 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
• 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
• Preferred Experience: One year prior experience
• References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 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 5 to 8
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Incumbent provides radiological technologist services in the area of imaging, fluoroscopic and radiographic examinations to facilitate delivery of healthcare services by the radiologist
• Other duties include but are not limited to: Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the supervision of the Supervisor Technologist, the direction of the Chief of Radiology Service or a radiologist
• Operates radiology equipment as a part of the diagnostic plan for patients
• Supports radiologist or other medical officers to produce radiographic studies used to diagnose medical conditions
• Receives requests or instructions for procedures
• Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers
• Performs as technologist in charge of less demanding hospital setting
• Receives assignments for a variety of simple to difficult examinations
• Independently or with minimal supervision carries out the requests made by physicians
• Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedure
• Explains procedure, positions patient for desired result and shields patient as appropriate
• Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patient's medical conditions
• Independently explains procedures and positions patient for difficult procedures
• May administer contrast material orally, by enema or, in some circumstances, intravenously under the supervision of a physician or radiologist when needed
• Determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovolt age and milliamperage)
• Sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified, receives the correct calculated exposure
• Adjusts technical factors for difficult radiographic examinations
• Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures
• Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of all parts of the human anatomy for diagnosis of illness or injury
• Performs image processing duties and maintains supplies
• As a team member with a radiologist, performs procedures such as cholecystograms, cholangiograms, pyelography, urethrograms, Upper GI Series, barium and air contrast barium enemas
• Assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast material, catheters and other required equipment is present and readily available
• Performs file room duties as required
• Schedules patients for examinations when required
• Maintains log of patients and procedure used
• Prepares imaging jacket for patient when hard copy material is required
• Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the Supervisor Technologist or radiologist adoption of those, which would improve the operations of the radiology section
• Cleans and sterilizes equipment and area after use
• Performs routine maintenance, recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to ensure repair
• Cleans, makes minor repairs and adjustments to x-ray equipment, accessories and automatic image processing equipment
• Process exposed radiographs and prepares film plate processing equipment
• Produces images with use of dry laser printer when required to obtain hard copy film and ensures all image data is in permanent vista storage and correctly associated to proper patient
• The employee is responsible for 1) protecting that data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration or unauthorized deletion and 2) following applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release or access codes, etc., as set out in a computer access agreement which the employee signs
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30PM
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Functional Statement #: PD51291A Financial Disclosure Report: Not required