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)
• 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)
• 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)
• GRADE REQUIREMENTS: a
• 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 1 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 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work
• b
• Specialized Assignment: Computed Tomography (CT) Experience: 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 interrelationship 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
• GRADE DETERMINATIONS: In addition to the Basic Requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT): (1) Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level - which include: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers
• and Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• (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 the following assignment: (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
• Preferred Experience: Radiology (R) and Computed Tomography (CT) registry with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT)
• 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a 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.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties to include but not limited to: Computerized Tomography (CT) 50%: Uses specific knowledge of human anatomy - including-cross sectional anatomy - and its application in spiral - and/or multi-slice Computer Tomography including -Peripheral Vascular - Spine - Abdomen - CT Angiography - Brain - and Virtual Colonography
• Ensures CT scan radiation doses are documented in PACS and/or on the procedure for Radiologist to dictate in the patient's report
• Performs quality control/assurance checks on completed CT scans to ensure optimally diagnostic images are referred for radiologists' interpretation
• Receives patients and explains procedures - prepares the room and equipment
• Monitors vital signs - recognize allergic reactions - and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation - and emergency measures to include AED
• Properly identifies patient images
• Performs quality assurance procedures using a variety of phantoms to assure parameters and Hounsfield units are correct for diagnostic interpretation of each scan
• Performs procedures utilizing surgical sterile techniques when required
• Prepares surgical trays - assures all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient
• Works with the Radiologist as a member of the Radiology team
• Starts IV's - prepares contrast materials - and under direction of the radiologist injects contrast for imaging procedures
• Performs Intravenous injections of Contrast Material with pressure injection system
• Practices safe use of the pressure injector and injects IV contrast material at injection rates provided by the Radiologist or pre-defined in the CT Exam protocol manual
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure lo patients - staff - and self
• Performs 3-D reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• Completes procedures by ensuring all images have been transmitted - and exam closed out in VistA
• Diagnostic Radiology Technologist (DRT) 50%: Receives and interprets requests or instructions for general or complex procedures
• Edit/make changes to requests as appropriate when directed by a radiologist or medical provider
• Performs all requested procedures and exercises control of area and equipment
• Maintains sterility
• cleans portable equipment after each case and as needed
• and reports malfunctions to bio-medical engineer
• and makes coordination to have equipment ready for service
• Ensures staff in the operating room is wearing protective shielding and monitoring devices
• Coordinates with radiology staff in the main department to ensure images are transmitted - digitized - read - and reported in a timely manner
• Prepares room and equipment for procedures - ensuring necessary supplies - contrast materials (oral - rectal - or Intravenous) - and imaging plates are readily available
• Monitors vital signs as appropriate for procedure and notifies radiologist of significant changes complications
• may administer anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under close control
• Assists the radiologist or staff physicians in performing fluoroscopy and other complex procedures
• Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday - 2:00pm-12:00am - Holiday Rotation and Call required
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact LaKita Bush - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance at LaKita.Bush@va.gov
• Learn more 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 #: 619-58896F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized