Operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic, vascular, and interventional examinations and procedures at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VAMC and Wilmington VAMC. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic images so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated or to provide interventional treatment. 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. 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 below and 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). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, provisions may apply. GRADE REQUIREMENTS. Creditable Experience Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), interventional radiologic technology (IR), quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor. Interventional Radiography (IR). Technologists working in this special assignment may function as vascular interventional (VI), cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists which use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. IR technologist must be knowledgeable in digital imagining and PACS. GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, 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. 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. 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-09 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: 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 (*): (a)*Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. (b)Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. (c)*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. (d) knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. (e)Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. (f)Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 December 13, 2019 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 9. Physical Requirements: Pre-placement physical examination to determine the physical, cognitive and emotional fitness of candidates for appointment in VA is required, and shall be completed prior to appointment, for all full-time, part-time and intermittent positions. ["Position serves the Medical Center as a multi-disciplined technologist with primary responsibilities for performing a full range of diagnostic radiological procedures including angiography, venography, operating room radiography, interventional procedures and fluoroscopic studies as the service workload dictates. Performs the technical functions related to all complex imaging procedures such as abdominal and thoracic angiograms, peripheral angiograms, all other angiographic procedures, venograms, angioplasties, atherectomies, embolization, catheter thrombectomies, thrombolysis and arterial/venous stents and stent graft placements and assists the Vascular Surgeon during interventional procedures, as well as the following types of responsibilities but not limited to the below: Schedules patients and adjusts patient examination priorities as needed to accommodate urgent, emergency, and maximum caseload in vascular radiographic procedures and accommodates and adjusts to the examination priorities as established by the concerned supervisor for all other radiological cases. Works in collaboration with Vascular Surgeons in obtaining written informed consent for special procedures. Prepares room for procedure and all necessary ancillary equipment needed for studies such vascular catheters, needles, contrast media and guide wires for use by the radiologist and selects proper technical factors for optimum exposure; as well as preparing any necessary setups such as biopsy trays and interventional trays, in conformance with strict sterile techniques. Operates computer to obtain best quality image when doing Digital Subtraction Angiography studies. Prepares sterile trays and items related to sterile tray for invasive procedures in conformance with strict sterile technique. Identifies and receives patients, explains procedure methods, positions patients, and looks after needs of patient while undergoing examination. Maintains adequate stock of supplies in work area as well as performing daily infection control cleaning of equipment as warranted. Assist and develop training programs for new vascular/diagnostic radiographic technologists, physicians in training, and general clinical employees. May be required to assist in the OR, reception area or other non-technical functions as necessary to maintain proper continuity of vascular surgery services. Technologist must understand the importance in reprocessing of RME and its significant impact on our Veteran population through the potential risk of infectious disease. As a technical specialist, the technologist independently carries out the assignments, coordinates the work with others, and keeps the supervisor informed of potential problems in meeting patient needs. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; Day Shift The DRT position comes with the expectation of on-call responsibilities. This includes some overnight call during the week. There is also the expectation of some time spent at the Philadelphia VA campus as well as at the Wilmington VA campus Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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.
