Diag Rad Tech Mammography; M

Summary

The mammographer performs independent technical work in support of mammography section under the direction of the Radiologist. The Technologist provides technical training and assistance to other personnel and provides direct support to the Chief Technologist. This position includes general management of patient flow - quality of work - supply tracking and restocking. The incumbent performs daily QA checklist as dictated by the FDA and ACR according to the Mammography Quality Assurance guidelines.

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.

• Citizenship:
  Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g.)
• 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).]
• 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.
• Loss of Credential:
  An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years – or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation – which may also result in termination of employment.
• NOTE:
  
  Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21 – 1986 – and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed – in writing – by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1 – 1987 – is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted – changed to lower grade – or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series.
  
  Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry.
• 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) – and 7407(d).
• GRADE REQUIREMENTS: a) 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…