Summary This position is located in Radiology/Imaging Services Long Beach, CA. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs a variety of fixed, fluoroscopic, and portable radiographs according to department and DRT quality standards. The technologist will perform examinations the level that was determined according to DRT Quality Standards https://valongbeach.healthclips.com/Playlist/View/PL1888/tibor-rubin-history https://valongbeach.healthclips.com/Playlist/View/PL1564/welcome-to-va-long-beach Responsibilities Duties Include, but are not limited to: Assists vascular surgeons with minor procedures in the OR by preparing pressure injector syringes with radiographic contrast medium. Radiographers must understand contrast media, their effects, and potential patient reactions. Incorrect use can be life-threatening, so thorough knowledge is essential. Follows hospital infection control and safety protocols, focusing on sterile technique. Assists the surgeon with radiographic equipment in a sterile setting. Skilled in using digital subtraction systems for vascular procedures and NUS equipment. The technologist sets technical controls and operates angiography equipment with attention to patient and radiation safety, taking full responsibility for radiographic factors during vascular procedures. The incumbent collaborates with clinicians and OR staff to ensure quality control, efficient work:flow, high diagnostic accuracy, and patient satisfaction. They apply radiation protection standards, use minimal exposure techniques, and employ lead shielding during standard or fluoroscopic procedures. Technologists check system operation, evaluate performance against guidelines, and regularly assess image quality and equipment function. They resolve image issues when possible or report problems to the area supervisor or Biomed. Maintains knowledge of VHA regulations and multiple accreditations; ensures compliance with HIPAA, the Privacy Act, CMS, and local, state, and federal laws; follows procedures and prepares for inspections or accreditation. Ensure compliance with National Patient Safety Goals by accurately identifying patients for exams or imaging studies, using left and right markers. Confirm patient identity before any procedure with two identifiers, such as last name, VA ID number, last four digits of SSN, date of birth, or hospital ID band. Patient information and the requested exam must match to prevent mistaken identity. The purpose of these exams and procedures is to create radiographic images that aid medical officers in diagnosing injuries, locating foreign objects, and identifying diseases or abnormalities inside the body. Staff also prepare and give contrast media and medications as required by State and Federal laws. Assists vascular surgeons in the VALBHCS operating room by operating radiologic equipment and performs CT procedures. Independently coordinates and performs minor angiographic exams during vascular procedures in the OR. Exams are conducted with or without contrast materials using a pressure injector, following sterile techniques and patient safety protocols. The goal is to obtain diagnostic images for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Conducts vascular and CT procedures in hospital or clinic settings under radiologists' supervision. Examinations aim to produce radiographs for medical diagnosis, helping identify injuries, foreign bodies, and pathological conditions. Preparing and administering contrast media and medications per State and Federal regulations. Proficiency in CR/DR, CT scanners, and PACS is required. Requires a thorough understanding of, and active engagement in, the VA Long Beach Healthcare System's Mission. Employees are expected to uphold Core Values and support both the System's strategic plan and Performance Improvement goals. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized VA Careers - Medical Support Assistant: https://youtube.com/embed/EE9c4XkaELo Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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. [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), 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: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-10 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: 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.] Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 10. Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
