Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Mammography

Summary

This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Mammography Technologist position is assigned to the Omaha campus
- Radiology Service;
Mammography section within Imaging Services at the VANWI HCS-Omaha.

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) - [ 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).

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

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)

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:

• Specialized Assignments:
  Mammography (M)

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

Knowledge

- Skills and Abilities:

• 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 (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies.

Preferred Experience:

• Prior experience with MQSA and FDA regulation compliance preferred

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10

Physical Requirements:

• You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position
• Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

• Accurately operates mammography, diagnostic x-ray, and bone densitometry imaging equipment to obtain screening mammography, diagnostic x-rays, and DEXA examinations of acceptable quality while utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes.
• Incumbent works under the supervision of the Chief Technologist and rotates all responsibilities within the Mammography section.
• Incumbent works independently and confers with Radiologists and Lead Interpreting Physician on more difficult problems.
• Knowledge of breast anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and function of the breast, and knowledge of changes to the breast caused by common medical and surgical diseases.
• Performs mammography imaging to include screening mammograms and Quality Assurance imaging.
• The incumbent is responsible for the performance of a variety of complex…