Career Center

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program - 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)
• NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description
• (Transcripts Required) English Language Proficiency: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists 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)
• Creditable Experience: (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice
• To be creditable - experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice
• This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice - which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT
• (2) Quality of Experience
• Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above
• Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
• (3) Part-Time Experience
• Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek
• For example - a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be met
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 [CT] Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.(independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues.) In addition - must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i
• *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• ii
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• iii
• *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• iv
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• v
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• vi
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Preferred Experience: Applicant must be Computed Tomography registered by the ARRT
• References: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Ability to routinely lift up to 45 pounds and occasionally perform heavy lifting/carrying of over 45 pounds
• Position requires long periods of sitting - standing - and walking
• Position requires intermittent periods of kneeling - bending - twisting - pulling/pushing - simple grasping - and occasionally reaching for objects above the shoulder
• Advanced modalities involve long periods of fine manipulations (using keyboard for operation of scanner and computer databases)

Duties

• As a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - the technologist will be required to perform Computed Tomography (CT) examinations in the Radiology Service at this complex medical center - as well as provide on-call coverage in the modality as necessary
• Incumbent should expect to maintain current advanced registry in CT
• This vacancy is for a position as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) with the Radiology Service Line of the Kansas City VA Medical Center
• As a Certified Diagnostic Radiological Technologist (DRT) - it is required to operate a Multi slice and Spiral Computed Tomography Scanner - perform difficult imaging procedures inclusive of Computed Tomography (CT) with 3D reconstructions - and monitor patients during all phases of appropriate examinations
• Major Duties include but not limited to: Performs Multi Slice Computed Tomography (CT) Axial and/or 3D Reconstruction Scans to include drainages and biopsies
• Prior to scanning acquisition - technologist selects and sets protocols and parameters for each individualized patient's examination(s)
• Monitors - observes - and assists patient(s) within the CT
• Receives patients to include a verbal interview for demographic accuracy and patient education prior to procedure - ensuring the patient's comfort - relaxation - and safety
• Adheres to all Radiation Safety guidelines and reports any issues to the appropriate party
• Positions the patient within the CT System - monitors patients during all phases of appropriate examination(s) - and removes the patient from the respected system(s) upon completion of the data and/or imaging acquisitions
• In all sections - administers contrast media and medications under the direction and supervision of the staff radiologist(s)
• Confers with the radiologist(s) to establish requirements with reference to contrast agents - vital signs - medications - and physiological monitoring to perform the procedure(s)
• Registers patient and procedure(s) in the KanVista System-Radiology Package - and enter the case number to case edit the patients file and indicate that the procedure has been completed
• Maintains imaging files on the patient - clinical analysis - computer data - and technical parameters of each examination to include short and long term archives - film library and Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS)
• Routinely replenish section stock items/supplies at the end of each shift
• Utilize appropriate CPT codes for the exam performed - performs timely - accurate case editing - and accurate usage of parenting codes to multiple examinations
• Perform all other duties common to the Radiology Service as assigned by the supervisor and/or Chief Technologist - Radiology Service
• Advanced modalities - Performs Multi Slice Computed Tomography (CT) Axial and/or 3D Reconstruction Scans to include drainages and biopsies
• Assures sterile supplies - catheters - guided wires - contrast media - and other materials are set up and readily available prior to the scan(s)
• Prior to scanning acquisition - technologist selects and sets protocols and parameters for each individualized patient's examination(s)
• Monitors - observes - and assists patient(s) within the CT
• Work Schedule: Monday & Tuesday 7:30am-4:00pm - Saturday & Sunday 7:00am-7:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN15EDRP@va.gov the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required