The Primary Purpose of the Position is: To provide Computerized Tomography radiography imaging for procedures in the CT Radiology department. While working in each area of Radiology Service, the employee will participate in all aspects of the mission of the medical center, including clinical service, education, and research, as needed. The employee will also assist the management team with the collection of statistical data needed to monitor and improve the clinical service. 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. 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). 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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. Experience includes: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed; Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical 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: 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. Understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs. Demonstrates work practice appropriate for the position. Demonstrate and verbalize proper procedures. Infection Control. Understands , demonstrates appropriate hygiene methods and infection control. Use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor. Able to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. 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-09. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Pulling hand over hand 1 hour; Pushing 2 hours; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted) ["Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 29, 2025. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be January 13, 2025, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until December 22, /2025. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply. Duties include but not limited to: Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Performs neuroangiography, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, parallelogram biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc. Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities. Performs myelography of the complete spine utilizing conventional x-ray units, spot films, patient immobilizers, etc., when required. Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. Maintains records and files of exams. Responsible to explain exams. Responsible for stocking and inventory for CT and angiography supplies and related materials. Work Schedule: Varies - Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm with call and holiday rotation or Monday - Friday, 10:30am - 7:00pm with call and holiday rotation or Saturday/Sunday midnight - noon, or Monday/Tuesday 9:am - 5:30 pm with call and holiday rotation. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 53177-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
