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. 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. Learn more 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: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard is considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) 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. (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher-grade levels. (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. Preferred Experience: Communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Perform with indirect supervision in a hospital or busy outpatient setting. Provide on-call services, as mission requires. Skilled in interpreting and adhering to policies, procedures and protocols. Skilled in assisting radiologists and other healthcare professionals with invasive procedures. 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. 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. 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 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 Physical Requirements: This position requires bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles, Reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required), prolonged walking, prolonged standing, repeated bending, Specific visual requirement-Glasses permitted, Hearing (aid may be permitted) Good distance vision, ability to read without strain, lifting incapacitated patients, twisting, pushing wheelchair patients, lifting/pushing stretcher patients ["If you ARE a federal employee, apply under Announcement CBST-11475750-22-DW. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures. 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. Duties include, but are not limited to: Performs a variety of complex radiographic exams to include CT's of head, neck, abdomen, extremities, and interventional radiography exams. Performs computerized digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and conventional angiography of cerebral, visceral, and peripheral artery systems. Prepares all equipment and supplies necessary to perform angioplasty, embolization, and interventional procedures. Operates arterial and cardiac ECG monitors used on patients. Independently sets up digital computer parameters to maximize the resolution of the part to be examined. Operates power injector and sets injector rates. Operates a multi-slice spiral Computed Tomography Scanner for the purpose of obtaining quality patient images for diagnostic interpretation. Coordinates daily schedule and consult with other medical center physicians, clinical, administrative, and clerical personnel of next day and future day's availability for patient examinations. Schedules, receives patients to include verbal interview for demographic accuracy and patient education prior to procedure, ensuring patient's comfort and relaxation. Positions the patient within the CT Systems, monitors patient during all phases of appropriate examination(s) and removes patient from the respected system(s) upon completion of the data and/or imaging acquisition(s). Performs quality control (QC)on the CT scanner as required. Identifies problems with QC and initiates process of correction before patient use. Records contrast warmer temperature daily. Checks crash cart at beginning of shift. Administers contrast media and medications under the direction and supervision of the staff radiologist(s). Registers patient and procedure(s) in the VISTA System, Radiology Package, and enters case number to case edit the patient's file and indicate that the procedure has been completed. Performs technical and general operation and maintenance of the computer, disk drives, console, imaging devices, etc. Establishes and monitors quality control programs for these sections and maintains operations logs, service and maintenance reports. Maintains inventory of supplies. Initiates procedures to replenish stock and receive stock items/supplies. Work Schedule: Friday 8:00a-4:30p, Saturday and Sunday 7:00am-7:00pm, Monday 8:00am-4:30pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Diagnostic Radiology Technologist (Computed Tomography)/PD000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Contact Brandilyn.Wasson@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]