Summary

The Advanced DRT independently performs routine to moderately complex radiographic and computed tomography procedures. Operates diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units - direct digital units - general diagnostic units - and computed tomography scanner. Performs computerized tomography of the head - neck - spine - chest - and body. Performs special CT angiographic and interventional examinations.

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
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• 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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] 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
• Exception for Non-Certified - Entry Level Candidates
• Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B)
• The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level
• This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician
• For grade levels above the entry level - the candidate must be certified
• Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment
• 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
• 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-9 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
• 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: 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
• Specialized Experience: 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 4 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
• 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Duties

• Supports Radiologists and/or other medical officers - to produce high quality images for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions
• The incumbent is expected to prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations
• DRT staff will be assigned to specialized areas by the Radiology Management based on clinical needs as long as the areas are within the certifications of the staff
• Duties include - but are not limited to the following: Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality - utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes
• Technologist works under the supervision of Radiology Manager/Supervisor and rotates all responsibilities within the CT section
• He/she works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and supervisor on more difficult exams
• Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives
• Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include but are not limited to CT examinations of the chest - abdomen - pelvis - head - extremities - neck - as well as CT Angiographic studies of the head - chest - abdomen and lower extremities
• Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis - Carotids - Abdominal Aortas and Run-Offs
• The radiographic goal of CT is to provide high quality axial imaging
• generate the best possible images at the minimal radiation dose necessary to the patient
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT to include CT Angiography and other exams
• Technologist must utilize lead aprons - lead gloves - and lead shields when exposed to radiation
• Technologist receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy - appropriateness
• date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS
• Technologist works with CT schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload - making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments
• Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals/contrast (IV and oral) used in the department
• Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies - notifying supervisor when supplies are not available and monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance
• Use independent judgment and possess the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus
• Properly identifies patient scan by using the HIS/RIS patient identification lists - R & L markers - correct amount and type of contrast administered - timelines for any timed examinations - patient position and all other identifying markers for that view/scan
• Responsible for minor equipment adjustments - repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment
• Responsible to adhering to the RME policies and procedures within the Radiology Service
• Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations and using protective equipment when required and provided
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of CT - which may require mandatory off-site training for new equipment training
• Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients
• Preferred Experience: PACS Experience Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Primarily Regular Day Shift with on-call service Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be authorized 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) Functional Statement #: 00000