Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist -Interventional Radiography

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist's (Interventional Radiography) Performs interventional studies of the head, neck, spine, chest, body and extremities. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies that bring about proper diagnosis and to provide percutaneous treatment.

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM

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Interventional Radiography (IR): Technologists working in this special assignment may function as vascular interventional (VI), cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists which use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. IR technologist must be knowledgeable in digital imagining and PACS.

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Confer with Lead IVR Technologist/RN/Physician as to optimize IR suite times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases.
• Perform neuroangiography including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment
• Confer with radiologist to determine requirement and protocol of non-standard exams
• Determine technical factors, positioning and preferred protocol for each radiologist
• Notify radiologists of studies requiring their immediate attention
• Perform peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities
• Perform exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques
• Requires "scrub-in-technique" when scrubbing in to assist physician, preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, etc,
• Adhere to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique
• Work with the radiologist as a member of the surgical/radiographic team
• Prepare contrast materials that are used in angiography and other exams
• Determine the proper dosage and type of contrast dependent on exam protocol and radiologist preference
• Responsible for the intravenous injection of contrast media
• Perform other duties as assigned by the service line to ensure efficient workflow and high customer satisfaction

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday | 7-3:30 pm and 7:30-4pm CST alternating weeks
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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).
• 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).

Grade Determinations:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Interventional Radiography (IR)), GS-09:

• 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.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):
  • *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
  • Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
  • *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
  • Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
  • Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
  • Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Preferred Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of Interventional Radiology experience in a hospital setting.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

This position is above the full performance level. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.

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/.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this 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.