Summary

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. Program 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.

Qualifications

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) and Computed Tomography (AART) (CT)
• 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)
• 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)
• Please see more details in the "Required Documents" section
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) - 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
• (2) 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: (a) 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
• Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice
• To be creditable - experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice
• This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice - which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT
• (2) Quality of Experience
• Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above
• Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
• (3) Part-Time Experience
• Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek
• For example - a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work
• 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.] General Radiologic Technology (R)
• DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries - foreign bodies - pathological conditions - or lesions within the body
• They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations
• All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR) -] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS)
• 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[1]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
• [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] Bone Densitometry (BD)
• This non-invasive test measures bone mineral content to diagnose a systemic skeletal disease (osteoporosis) characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural distortion of bone tissue - with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture
• 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
• Loss of Credential
• An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years - or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
• Preferred Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience involving computing tomography Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09 - which is the actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The incumbent serves as a Diagnostic Radiology Technologist for Imaging Service at the James J
• Peters VA Medical Center
• In this position the incumbent will perform routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures used for medical diagnosis
• Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: Performs all routine and complex radiographic procedures
• These exams are achieved using diagnostic digital X-Ray equipment such as: DR Radiographic - DR Fluoroscopic - and DR Chest Radiographic units
• Operates equipment for the purpose of providing radiographic examinations for the diagnosis and treatment of patients
• These examinations are performed with or without enteric contrast material
• Coverage is provided 24 hours - 7 days a week
• The incumbent is expected to provide various tour coverage including weekends and holidays
• Receives and interprets request - or instructions for procedures
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams of the upper and lower GI tract
• Identifies the patient and the image
• Uses right and left markers
• This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur
• The technician must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical
• Obtains the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done
• Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x- rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures upon request - operates the digital fluoro unit in the Operating Room
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient - staff and self
• This is achieved by the use of lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead-lined walls and collimation
• The technicians - to assure compliance with radiation regulations - wear film badges
• The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface
• Understands the principals of the use of CR and PACS
• Uses these electronic methods to complete procedures - assign accurate patient information to studies then electronically send images for interpretation
• Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas
• Must report equipment malfunctions in a timely manner to the supervisor
• Incumbent must be professional - cooperative and be able to work with other employees
• Participates in continuing education processes in order to maintain competencies and keep abreast of technological advances
• Incumbent must demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as well as medical terminology in order to perform responsibilities and demonstrate a high degree of accuracy in radiographic positioning and exposure techniques
• Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs
• Recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to his/her supervisor
• Incumbent must attain and maintain BCLS (basic cardiac life support) certification from accredited society as per local policy
• Incumbent must possess knowledge of sterile technique which includes medical asepsis and surgical asepsis
• Incumbent must be able to perform a variety of routine and complex CT (Computerized Tomography) exams including routine - vascular (cardiac and non-cardiac) - musculoskeletal and neuroradiologic
• Incumbent must be familiar with the loading - programming and use of automated power injectors
• Incumbent must be familiar with identifying and initiating treatment for extravasation of IV contrast
• Incumbent must be familiar with the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to intravenous iodinated contrast and immediately inform medical staff in the area including nurse and/or physician - and if necessary - activate emergency code and initiate CPR
• Incumbent must have competency to perform two additional special procedures other than CT(special/interventional procedures - bone densitometry)
• Incumbent spends roughly 50% of time performing general radiology - 25% of time performing CT exams - and 25% of time in other (bone densitometry - special/interventional procedures)
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 12am - 8am Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing - walking - bending - twisting - and carrying light items
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.