The Primary Purpose of the Position is: Incumbent primarily performs urgent and emergent radiographic examinations. Receives patients, explains method of procedure, positions patients, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required, and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedures. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is March 30, 2022. Additional applications will be referred as needed. 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. 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).] Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: GS-05: Experience and/or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-06: Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. Ability to learn basic computer functions. GS-07: Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. GS-08: Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 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 KSAs: 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. Preferred Experience: One or more years' of DRT experience Performed routine X-Rays, operates portable equipment and C-arm fluoroscopic equipment Assisted Radiologist in the less complex fluoroscopic and spot fill examinations Able to provide clinical instruction to radiology tech students References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); reaching above shoulders; use of fingers; both hands required; standing (4 hours); both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; ability to distinguish between basic colors' ability to distinguish shades of color; hearing (aid permitted). ["A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. Duties include, but are not limited to: Incumbent is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Imaging PACS System. Performance of daily QC check of system is required for imaging stability. Will report all changes and daily performance through PACS Coordinator. Sets up the x-ray room. Under the direction of a supervising radiologist, may administer barium or iodinated contrast media orally, intravenously, or rectally. As required by procedure or patient's condition, monitors vital signs, notifying radiologist of significant changes. Provides clinical instruction for radiology technician students which includes positioning patients, measuring patient thickness to determine technical factors needed. Instructs students in the handling of seriously ill patients, checks images to ensure they are of good diagnostic quality. Evaluates the students' clinical ability periodically and grades their ability to determine their overall grades at the school. Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injury. Performs operator preventive maintenance on x-ray equipment. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the head of the section adoption of those which would improve the operation of Imaging Service. If unable to contact Site Manager or Imaging Coordinator, incumbent is authorized to call in backup technologists, during off duty hours to perform emergency examinations they are unable to perform. Knowledge of radiation protection standards including concepts of accumulated dosage and genetic changes, effects of radiation on living organisms, and the effects of x-ray technique on patient and operator exposure to assure that adequate safeguards are maintained and reassure patients who may be unfamiliar with x-ray safety procedures. Knowledge and use of digital informational - radiographic equipment in conjunction with VistA Rad PACS (CR or Digitizers). Knowledge and use of all Direct Capture X-Ray Units. Thorough knowledge or radiation protection standards, devices, and techniques including concepts of accumulated dosage and genetic changes, effects of radiation on living organisms, and the effects of x-ray technique on patient and operator exposure to assure that adequate safeguards are maintained, to recognize when changes of equipment or procedures might result in increased exposure, and to recommend methods to prevent such exposure. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology such as the location, appearance and function of the various major systems including the muscular, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs appearing on the film and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the radiograph for diagnostic use. Knowledge of the effects of common medical and surgical diseases upon radiographic examinations, for example: the more common abnormalities of veins and arteries, results of respiratory conditions such as emphysema, pneumonia and sinusitis, or peptic ulcer to recognize the conditions, assure that the radiographic studies properly illustrate the condition, and adjust positioning, technical factors or other variables to better illustrate them if necessary. Work Schedule: Two 12 hour tours on Saturday/Sunday; 8:00am-8:00pm; Two 8 hour tours 8:00am -4:30pm Thursday/Friday. OR; Full Time, Rotating Shift, Nights/Weekends/Holidays; 8:00am-4:30pm Thurs/Fri; 8:00am-8:00pm Saturday/Sunday Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist/PD000000 Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
