Details
Posted: 06-May-22
Location: East Orange, New Jersey
Salary: Open
Categories:
Allied Health
Internal Number: 652734000
The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Multi-Modality) is located in the Imaging Service for the New Jersey VA Healthcare System. The incumbent is responsible for multi-modality coverage across campuses. The incumbent works under the supervision of the Supervisor, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist/Administrative Officer for Imaging. Basic Requirements: Citizenship: US Citizen 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.] . NOTE: ARRT Computed Tomography certification is what is required for this position. Proof of this must be provided at the time of application. 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). Licensure, Certification or Registration: A Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will have a current, full, active and unrestricted registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for this position in computed tomography (CT). 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. 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). 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. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification. In addition to the basic requirements, the following Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements listed above, applicants must meet the grade requirements for 1 year equivalent to at least next lower grade level GS-9, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level Creditable Experience: (1) 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 non paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), interventional radiologic technology (IR), quality management (QM), picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10, which is the actual grade at which this vacancy will be filled. 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. In addition, The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs : i. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. ii. 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. iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. iv. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 Physical Requirements: This work may involve assisting individuals on and off of the x-ray table and onto and off of the bed that slides into CT Machine and/or the bore of the MRI machine. The position also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items. ["The incumbent is responsible for multi-modality coverage across campuses and the incumbent performs: Multiple types of CT procedures dictated by service policy, utilizing current software upgrades, including cardiac, CTA, head, body, neck, chest, spine, extremity, CT guided biopsies, etc. The incumbent integrates specific knowledge and technical skills with effective patient interaction to provide quality patient care with useful diagnostic information for proper diagnosis and treatment. Special/Interventional procedures as dictated by service policy to include peripheral, visceral, body, head and extremities imaging and Interventional studies, such as TIPS, Stent placements, Permcaths PICC's, PCN's etc. CT, Special Procedure/Interventional examinations are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The incumbent integrates specific knowledge and technical skills with effective patient interaction to provide quality patient care with useful diagnostic information for proper diagnosis and treatment. General diagnostic x-ray as dictated by service policy to include portable radiography, fluoroscopy exams and providing radiology support in the OR and bone densitometry. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography and other exams. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material as needed. Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nFunctional Statement #: 21J32-A Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]