Diagnostic Radiologic Technician

Summary This position is in the VA Central Texas Health Care System (CTXVHCS), Diagnostic Imaging Service, and serves Austin, Temple, Bryan College Station, Cedar Park, and Waco, TX. The technologist is responsible for the daily technical direction and administrative functions of the clinic area. The incumbent plans, directs and controls activities, maintains equipment and supplies to meet the needs of the service. Duties Major duties include, but are not limited to: Performs a variety of routine Radiologic exams and procedures. Responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Imaging PACS System. Coordinates closely with the radiologist and referring physician on all procedures ensuring that optimum quality films are obtained for diagnosis, using the least amount of radiation exposure to the patient. Performs quality control duties that involve ensuring CR and DR x-ray units are in proper calibration. Employees are responsible for seeing that the flow of work throughout the clinic proceeds in an orderly fashion so that patient waiting time is kept to a minimum. Employees are responsible for developing and maintaining accurate technique charts for all x-ray rooms. Maintains radiation monitors and statistical data for the clinic and forwards same to Chief, Imaging Service, CTVHCS, Temple. Performs a variety of routine to moderately complex radiographic procedures. Positions patients, explains procedures, selects and sets voltage, time and other technical factors, and makes exposure necessary for the requested procedure. Performs various daily operational functions with digital informational

• radiographic equipment. Operates Computerized Readers, Lasers and Direct Capture equipment. The incumbent must report to work on time, as scheduled, and demonstrate strict adherence to established dress code standards; appearance is expected to be neat, clean, and professional always. Annual educational and training requirements must be satisfactorily completed. Assigned duties must be consistently completed within designated times. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices (such as lead aprons, gloves, and collimators) and techniques. Knowledge of safe working practices such as in lifting patients, supplies, or equipment and requests help when necessary. Knowledge in the use of equipment used to perform quality control tests. Included is such equipment as Lucite phantom, bar phantom, lead grid, sensitometer and densitometer. Anatomy and physiology such as the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor system susceptible to radiologic illumination to accurately interpret the examination requested. Aspects of basic physics include the concepts of energy, electric power and types of electrical circuits, construction and use of x-ray tubes and the properties of x-rays to understand the operation of x-ray equipment, monitor the equipment for proper operation, change standard procedures to compensate for aging equipment, and to determine when maintenance or repair is required. Knowledge of complex radiographic exposure techniques. Ability and initiative to make accurate and reliable judgments which concern the patient, equipment or department, and experience making such judgments in the absence of a supervisor. Skill to apply knowledge required to complete complex radiographic procedures which includes positioning or immobilizing the patient to prevent movement to provide the radiologist with optimal quality x-rays and illuminating the desired areas or concentrating the contrast media where needed. Knowledge of first aid procedures including operation of defibrillators, and artificial respirators for occurrences such as seizures and cardiac arrest. Knowledge of computerized equipment. Knowledge and use of digital informational
• radiographic equipment in conjunction with VistA Rad PACS (CR, Laser images.) Knowledge and use of all Direct Capture X-Ray Units. Responsible for ordering and maintaining departmental supplies. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Two Shifts available; Monday-Friday 7:30am
• 4:00pm or Tuesday-Saturday 8:00am
• 4:30pm; Rotating Holidays Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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) 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 50333-F/50334-F/50335-F/50336-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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-5: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-6: Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) 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. Experience includes operating and monitoring commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for