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.

Duties

• Duties include but are not limited to the following: Accurately operates mammography, diagnostic x-ray, and bone densitometry imaging equipment to obtain screening mammography, diagnostic x-rays, and DEXA examinations of acceptable quality, 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. Incumbent works independently on most exams but confers with Chief Technologist, Radiologists and Lead Interpreting Physician on more difficult problems. The incumbent is responsible for the performance of a variety of complex mammography radiographic exams. These include, but are not limited to, screening and diagnostic mammography exams. The incumbent is responsible for the quality and quantity of imaging examinations, and for ensuring proficiency and compliance of staff to all service, facility, and accreditation standards for breast imaging. Obtains images of sufficiently high quality most useful to the interpreting radiologist. The incumbent must evaluate the patient body habitus based on the patient's age, size, condition of skin (placing markers if indicated), position limiting disabilities and previous breast augmentation or surgeries to determine proper exposure technique settings. The incumbent must also evaluate the patient to determine the most effective method of communication with the patient. Positions patients accurately, applying knowledge of anatomy and imaging equipment to provide optimal visualization. Incorporates equipment components to obtain all required visualization, including angulations, compression paddles, and manipulation of imaging factors. Performs diagnostic mammograms on patients with identified breast problems. Performs additional mammographic projections fr.om protocol or direction from Radiologist. This procedure requires extensive knowledge of special projections and non-standard patient positioning that is essential to resolve identified problems. Must recognize and accommodate for patients with post radiation changes, as well as patients who have undergone mastectomies. Identifies patients using two patient identifiers in accordance with hospital policy. Maintains a clean work area. Cleans/disinfects the equipment between patients consistent with manufacturer instructions and facility infection control policies. Stocks room with supplies needed to perform examinations and provide emergency treatments. Prepares the room and equipment necessary prior to each patient examination. Provides guidance on scheduling to support staff, including coordination of Community Care tests and procedures as necessary. Point of contact for surveyors from outside agencies such as JCAHO, ACR, VISN and VHA when necessary. Guide/coach other technologists when necessary, i.e. training on QA/QC protocols, difficult or complex exams, importing outside images workflow, etc. Maintain and encourage an environment of teamwork and a positive workplace. Performs procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologist and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. Incumbent is compliant with RME cleaning according to policy and manufacturer's guidelines. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am to 4:00 pm 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

Requirements

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.

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/.