This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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. 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) GS-09 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Grade Determinations: 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: In addition to the experience above, the candidate 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. Preferred Experience: 3 years experience with DRT and CT sub-specialty. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The work may require long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy items such as grids and leaded aprons. Overhead pulling and pushing of moderately heavy equipment such as tube heads as well as pushing and pulling of patients on tables for the purpose of positioning is performed on a routine basis. Lifting of disabled patients is done with lifting devices and is usually shared with other hospital employees. Incumbent must follow no-lift policy and maintain current training status on lifts and other transferring equipment. ["Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Duties include but are not limited to the following: Performs CT and radiographic exams in the Medical Imaging Department and at other locations such as the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit {ICU), and Surgery as required. . Exams performed in Surgery such as hip pinnings, retrograde cystograms, and angiograms as well as ICU exams such as pacemakers placement are more complex. Two portable x-ray Units, two mobile intensifier unit (C-Arm), and a digital fluoroscopy unit in the cysto-room that is located in Surgery are used to achieve surgery exams while ICU exams utilize the two portable x-ray units and the surgery C-Arms. Calculates radiographic exposure techniques and technical factors to control density, contrast and distortion of CT and digital images to produce quality diagnostic radiologic examinations. Evaluates resulting images for quality and makes necessary corrections required to retake sub-quality images. Notifies radiologists of exams requiring their immediate attention. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer and reviews existing information for accuracy. Prepares a variety contrast materials (iodine-based or barium sulfate) under direction of the radiologist for performing exams requiring iodine-based contrast injections such as CT Scans, venograms, cystogram, cholangiograms, fistulagrams' and arthrography or for performing exams requiring oral/rectal administration of barium such as exams of the GI tract. The technologist is required to know and recognize the effects and adverse reactions of utilized IV contrast materials. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials increase the risk of patient mortality, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it. Thorough knowledge of radiation safety standards, devices, and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage and genetic changes, effects of radiation on living organisms, and the effect of x-ray on patients and operators to assure that adequate safeguards are maintained. Practices radiation safety to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure when obtaining radiographs. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of patient logbooks registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system. Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and is able to make minor repairs and/or adjustments. Exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to the Lead Technologist or Chief Technologist and Biomed. Enter necessary work orders in VistA. Assists and trains Radiologic Technology students and new staff in performing Radiologic exams, sterile technique, and proper stocking of supplies in radiographic rooms as well as maintenance responsibilities. Continually reviews new developments in the field of radiology in order to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available and provide patients with the best possible exams for diagnostic purposes. Work Schedule: Thursday-Sunday, 10:00am to 8:00pm EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). 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. 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.
