Career Center

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. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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) and have an advanced ARRT certification for computed tomography (CT). 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. 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). 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), and7407(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: GS-9 Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: 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. AND Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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. Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 December 13, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45lbs. and over); Moderate carrying (15-44lbs.); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; walking/standing (4-8hrs.); Both legs required; Near and Far vision (correctable); Both eyes required; Depth perception; Hearing (aid permitted); Mental and emotional stability; Prolonged standing (includes use of lead protective wear). Environmental factors include working closely with others; Working alone; Protracted or irregular work hours; Exposure to ionizing radiation; Exposure to body fluids. ["This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in computed tomography, inclusive of post processing applications and including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. In addition, the incumbent requires specific knowledge in routine diagnostic radiography, including portable radiography, fluoroscopy, CT, and operating room imaging. Duties will include: CT: Prioritizes exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Confers with radiologists/residents to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Utilizes highly sophisticated equipment such as computerized tomography scanners, pressure injectors, patient monitors, etc. taking education, training, and available resources into account for appropriate usage. Performs all studies presented in the CT Department. Works with the radiologist/resident as a member of the radiology team. Performs exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques for biopsies or aspiration of fluid of the anatomical region indicated. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT. Performs venipuncture for administration of contrast material when necessary. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Explains examinations to patients including effects of contrast materials utilized so they understand the purpose and requirements associated with its use. Performs code cart checks to ensure all necessary supplies are included, unexpired and unopened. Performs irregular hour emergency scans, 24 hours per day, seven days a week, including holiday coverage. Communicates pertinent information regarding equipment malfunctions, workspace concerns, schedule concerns, supply needs, etc. to the appropriate personnel in an appropriate and timely fashion. Trains new hires, students, and contractors in the safe and effective use of radiographic technique in acquiring suitable images for the radiologist. Reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography and is continuously on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available. Ensures proper and complete review of available resources in order to stay up-to-date on internal and external requirements and to improve personal knowledge and education. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate patient records. Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers, cancels, and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Performs additional duties as assigned within the scope of practice for CT. Diagnostic & Fluoroscopic: Performs routine radiographs, portable exams, fluoroscopy, and operating room imaging. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. Utilizes PACS for acquisition, transmission, storage, and review of images, performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the radiologist. Performs Quality Control procedures. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. Interviews patient to obtain pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the examination being performed. Varies tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. Properly identifies patient with at least 2 patient identifiers in accordance with VAPORHCS policy, confirms identity on order, properly identifies patient images and, utilizes L(eft) and R(ight) markers,. Identifies system errors and work with the Supervisor, Assistant Chief Technologist, and Biomedical Engineering department to facilitate the effective and timely service of radiographic equipment. Ensures productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible. Performs additional duties as necessary within the scope of practice for Diagnostic Radiography. Work Schedule: Hours will be between the hours of 7:00am to 6:00pm with possible shift variability.\nCompressed/Flexible: Not Available\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Please contact the VISN 20 EDRP Coordinator Stacy Hermann @ V20CompensationTeam@va.gov. Learn more\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]