Diagnostic Radiologic Tech Mammography

Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Mammography is assigned to the VA NORCAL Health Care System in the Diagnostic Imaging Service at the Stockton - CA VA. This position performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures. The purpose of these exams is to conduct diagnostic studies to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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
• 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)
• 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
• 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 non‑paid 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 (mammography) studies
• Preferred experience – 3 years in DRT Mammography
• References : VA Handbook 5005 / 119 PART II APPENDIX G25 – December 13 – 2019
• The 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
• Physical Requirements : See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• 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)

Duties

Operate independently and without direct supervision as a Diagnostic Radiologic Mammography Technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of diagnostic radiology examinations and procedures at VA Northern California HCS – Radiology Department

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Health Care Provider

Industries

Government Administration

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