Summary

The incumbent of this position independently performs standard US body - small parts and limited vascular (DVT - carotid - AAA) examinations. These exams to be performed at a minimum 100% of the workweek. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures - and rearranges patients scheduled to accommodate them. Maintains records and files of patients examined. Performs research studies as approved by Chief of Radiology.

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
• 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)
• DRTs that require a certification - may be reassigned - promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level - or changed to lower grade within the occupation - but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
• Physical Requirements
• A physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position
• GRADE REQUIRENMENTS Creditable Experience: 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 nonpaid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT
• Quality of Experience
• Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified above
• Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
• Part-Time Experience
• Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time work week
• For example - a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be met for the GS-10 level
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-10 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
• Specialized Assignment: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
• Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities - performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures
• At this grade level - any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity
• Such assignments are unique - perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology - Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations - and intermediate QM-type duties within the program
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices - and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes
• Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures - and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures
• Knowledge of fundamental physics - including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of X-rays - to understand the operation of the equipment
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies
• Preferred experience - 3 years in DRT Mammography
• References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 - December 13 - 2019
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• A physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position.

Duties

• Major duties include but are not limited to the following: Advises radiologists or referring physicians of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination
• Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen - neck - chest - and extremities - and the retroperitoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high-quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders
• Participates in the training of physicians - students - and radiology technologists so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams
• Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved
• This requires maintaining a diagnostic log - patient schedule log - and procedure log - editing - and - when necessary - registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS)
• Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in the operation of equipment to ensure accurate results
• Based on radiologic findings - determine the necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings
• Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section
• May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations
• Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies
• Assists the radiologist in the performance of cyst punctures - aspiration biopsies - and catheter placements for diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques
• This requires the use of sterile surgical techniques - syringes - needles - contrast agents - and other medical supplies
• Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations to minimize delays in examinations
• These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00 am -4:30 pm - Supervisor's discretion Telework: Not available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 612-07533-F