This position may be 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. 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. 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.] c. 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).] 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 (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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. 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. References: APPENDIX G25. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0647 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: : Physically and mentally able to perform efficiently the duties of the position, which include heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); heavy carrying (45 lbs. and over); straight pulling (up to 1 hour); pushing (1 - 2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 3 hours); standing (up to 3 hours); repeated bending (up to 1 hour); and ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Stands for extended periods of time when performing lower grade work including wearing a lead apron which weighs approximately 5-8 pounds. Carry cassettes weighing approximately 15-25 pounds from the x-ray room to the x-ray dark room. Lift/assist a patient from a wheelchair or gurney to the x-ray table and for different positions on the exam table. ["The incumbent independently performs all CT scans (45 %), all general radiology exams including fluoroscopy and DEXA scans (45 %) and all daily QC (10%) for general radiology and CT as assigned by the supervisory DRT. The incumbent operates as a Diagnostic Radiographic Technologist (DRT) responsible for the performance and operation of diagnostic radiographic imaging equipment to produce radiographs of anatomy using ionizing radiation in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Duties include, but are not limited to: 1. Position patient within the examining unit, monitor patient during all phases of the examination, and remove patient from the influence of the magnetic field upon completion of the data acquisition. 2. Coordinate with radiologist to determine the most ideal parameters to pulse the magnet for each individualized patient examination. All pre-programmed protocols should be utilized on each procedure prior to obtaining additional views. 3. Program technical factors by interrogating computer console and responding with inputs that will result in the parameters of pulse form, pulse sequence, slice profile, etc. as was determined in step two above. 4. Monitor the examination by checking computations, performances and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer-generated data and images. 5. Perform clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer. 6. Record computer data on film, magnetic tape, laser disc, and plotter paper as needed. Collect, collate and combine images with patient data and prepare for physician evaluation. 7. Perform technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer, disc drives, console, imaging devices, etc. Maintain a clean and neat work area. 8. Assist manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions in all equipment associated with the units. 9. Establish and monitor quality control programs. 10. Maintain operations log, maintenance and service reports. 11. Maintain files on patient, computer data, and technical parameters of each examination. 12. Coordinate daily schedule and consult with other hospital physicians, clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to next day and future day's availability for patient examinations. 13. Perform or monitor safety checks on patients, employees and visitors to comply with FDA safety standards. 14. Assist in preparation of procedure manuals and assist in devising and modifying procedures as necessary. 15. Assist physicians and other employees in the development and execution of research protocols and maintaining the records as necessary to validate the research project or funding grant. 16. Assist and develop training programs for new technologists, physicians in training, and general clinical employees. 17. Participate in lectures and demonstrations relating to the technical and clinical operation of the facility. 18. Performs routine radiological functions, if necessary, to accommodate patient needs. 19. Maintain inventory of lab, medical, and computer supplies and initiate procedures to replenish stock and to receive supplies. 20. When administering IV contrast, the incumbent uses established guidelines outlined in the health care system policy. This includes procedures for administration of IV contrast media, consent, risk factor assessment, risk factors and preventive measures for patients with reduced renal function, classification and treatment of contrast reactions for reporting, discharge of patients following contrast reactions, procedures in case of extravasation, pre-medication procedures. Incumbent complies with the established requirements for IV contrast administration. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full time hours, will be discussed at time of interview. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 21T32-A EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN2EDRPCoordinators@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
