Summary

The incumbent's principal responsibilities are to perform computed tomography (CT) scans and diagnostic x-ray exams for the patients of this medical center.

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)
• 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).] 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)
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) - GS-09: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Experience: Computed Tomography (CT)
• 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
• 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
• [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] 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 (*): 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 Preferred Experience: CT Certification by ARRT - must have the ability to perform CT and XR 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-9. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over
• moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
• pushing up to 4 hours
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required)
• prolonged walking - prolonged standing
• repeated bending
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• hearing (aid permitted)
• speed in working
• and emotional stability
• Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d).

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Employees at this grade level are qualified and required to provide services in more than one specialized and complex areas of radiologic technology and general radiologic technology services
• The incumbent performs computed tomography (CT) examinations on all body regions - including complex procedures with multiplanar reformations - 3-dimensional reconstructions - maximum intensity projections - and CT angiography
• The incumbent will - also - perform general diagnostic radiography to include - but not limited to - diagnostic x-rays of all body regions - bone-length examinations - and bone surveys
• The incumbent must be an ARRT registered technologist in radiography (R) and computed tomography (CT)
• A technologist at this level may be required to work all various days and shifts including evenings - nights - weekends - and off-tour work schedules to provide 24-hour - 7-day week coverage
• The incumbent's principal responsibilities are to perform computed tomography (CT) scans and diagnostic x-ray exams for the patients of this medical center
• Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician
• The technologist operates various types of radiographic equipment in the Imaging Service and on the floor
• Supports radiologists or other medical colleagues to produce diagnostic radiographic studies used to diagnose medical conditions
• Functions: Performs x-ray exams to include - but are not limited to - diagnostic x-rays of all body regions - bone-length examinations - and bone surveys
• Interpret requests or instructions from radiologists or providers Verify orders with patient history
• If a patient is unable to give history - the technologist will verify the order with the patient medical record and clarify any discrepancy with the ordering provider before proceeding with the examination
• Properly identify the patient and the image
• Use left and right lead markers
• This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur
• The technologist must verify by the patient's full name - full social security number - and birth date Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table
• Assist patients with changing into a gown as needed
• Prepare room - equipment and material needed for patient procedures
• Explain procedures - position patients for desired results - and cushion patients as appropriate
• Provide education to patients and their families on Imaging procedures
• Observe patients during procedures and report complications or unusual events
• Process images using digital radiography (DR) systems
• Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams - credit of patient visits - complications and/or quality improvement activities of the Imaging Service
• Maintain records and files of exams performed on patients
• Edit and when necessary - register patient exams as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface
• Perform QC as recommended by the manufacturer
• Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort - ward secretaries - nursing personnel - etc
• Always maintain a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within their assigned work areas
• Other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Variable - as to need of the service
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Maybe Authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized