Career Center

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

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).] 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)
• NOTE: Details on the grandfathering provision are in the assessment questionnaire
• This position is above journey (full performance) level
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist] - GS-10 Computed Tomography (CT)
• This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or - multi-slice computer tomography - inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans - including drainages - biopsies - and peripheral vascular examinations
• The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location - appearance - and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination
• to interpret the examination request accurately
• to understand the functioning and inter relationship of the various organs
• to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor - or on film - and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician
• [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] (1) 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
• (2) Assignments
• For all assignments above the full performance level - the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope - complexity (difficulty) - and range of variety - and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time
• DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignment:Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
• 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 (ON THE RESUME) 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.] Preferred Experience: Current/recent CT and X-ray experience is preferred
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 10
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 10
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over
• moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
• pushing up to 4 hours
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required)
• prolonged walking - prolonged standing
• repeated bending
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• hearing (aid permitted)
• speed in working
• and emotional stability
• Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

Duties

• 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
• Duties of the Advanced DRT (CT / X-Ray) include - but are not limited to the following: Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality - utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes
• Technologist works under the supervision of the Section Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist and rotates all responsibilities within the CT and General Radiology section
• Performs all aspects of CT imaging by standardized protocols as directed by the radiologist to include: Head - Neck - Chest - Abdomen - Pelvis Extremities - 3D Reconstructions of CT - Multi-Planar Reformats CT and Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure
• Technologist will operate all radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment
• perform all types of radiographic - tomographic and fluoroscopic procedures
• Technologist will independently perform examinations of the head - entire spine - chest - abdomen - and extremities - using direct radiography (DR)
• All examinations are processed digitally
• Performs portable radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures
• Technologist will rotate into different computed tomography and radiography rooms to maintain knowledge of all procedures and equipment
• Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service Contrast Policy for guidelines on Administration of Contrast Media
• The technologist is trained in the proper use of I-stat and power injectors
• Technologist acquires and maintains knowledge in CT dose optimization and the factors that directly affect radiation dose from the CT scanner to the patient
• Use independent judgment and possess the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus
• Technologist receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy - appropriateness
• date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS
• Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat - pre-op - urgent - and routine exams
• Technologist works with CT schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload - making day to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments
• Properly identifies patient by using two forms of identification: full name - date of birth - full social security number and/or hospital name band
• Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done and what - if any - potential adverse effects may be possible
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions
• Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs
• Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients
• The employee must also be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff - as mandated by the Medical Center and Radiology Service Infection Control policies
• Practice infection control according to the Radiology Department policy and facility MCM
• Utilizes PPE as necessary
• Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in the department
• Technologist may be required to coordinate work activities of lower grade technologist/students and /or provide guidance as necessary to assure completion of complex examinations
• Maintains training and certifications
• Maybe required to work in an after hour on-call standby status to perform emergency scans
• This requires that the technologist be available within 45 minutes from receipt of the call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient
• Work Schedule: 1- Full-time - Tuesday and Wednesday 8am-4:30pm and Thursday - Friday - Saturday 3:30pm-Midnight
• 2-Sunday-Tuesday mid-830 and Wednesday 330pm-mid.On-call and Holiday work required
• Functional Statement #: 41630F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
• EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact V8_EDRP_WPB@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more