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. 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. ARRT certification 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-8 (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. (2) Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to 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. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. References: VA Handbook 5005 App G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. ["The DRT technologist performs general radiology, operating room, and fluoroscopy exams. These exams maybe performed with contrast media to enhance images. He/she reviews the requisition with the radiologist or supervising physician to achieve the appropriate images for the clinical history required. Recognizes unusual images of cross-sectional anatomy and determines proper and safe positioning to best demonstrate area of interest. Determines the physical condition, needs and capabilities of the patient and to tailor exams to the patient's symptomology, age, limitations and possible differentials common to that age group. Confers with the radiologist to determine requirements of non-standard exams and determines technical factors, positioning, and protocols. Accesses patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results to the extent needed. Performs operating room fluoroscopy for multiple procedures including peripheral and visceral angiography, and gastrointestinal, genitourinary, orthopedic, podiatry and pulmonary, pain control procedures, etc. Performs exams as required utilizing surgical sterile precautions and ensures that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. Prepares contrast material that are used in the Operating Room and for fluoroscopic examinations and monitors the patient during the administration of contrast to prevent contamination and recognize contrast reactions and access site extravasations. Monitors patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist or supervising physician informed. Administratively accountability for supplies needed to perform all radiology procedures in his/her area anticipating needs for supplies and provides for them well in advance. Is responsible for the equipment and suite cleanliness, as assigned by the supervisor. Makes minor equipment adjustments and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Checks system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines Checks equipment for proper functions prior to performing procedures and is responsible for the state of equipment at all times. Technologist must report equipment malfunctions and inspection expiry in a timely manner to his/her Supervisor. Calibrates parameters and adjusts as needed. Addresses and communicates with customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers with tact, diplomacy, and courtesy. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday ; Hours will be determined upon selection Virtual: This is not a virtual position. EDRP Authorized: Yes 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.
