The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography - CT) at the GS-9 level serves at an advanced level. The incumbent performs in the role of a multimodality technologist with a substantially full range of duties in general radiology and computed tomography at the Syracuse, NY VAMC. 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.) English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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 complete 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 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. 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 in paragraph 2b 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 workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. 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. GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be met to qualify at the GS-9.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 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; Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. 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. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G2 Physical Requirements: Work is physical and demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying items and transferring patients with use of moving implements. Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations. ["Duties/responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Perform radiographic duties in the Computed Tomography (CT) specialty modality 80% of the time. Requires the ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while performing complex scans and procedures. Requires knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multiple-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular and Cardiac CT examinations. 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 requests accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques that 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 from diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of particular interest to the physician. Performs all the advanced CT procedures including complex patient examinations with little physician supervision. Performs veno-puncture for venous access for iodinated contrast exams. Performs general radiologic (R) procedures 20% of the time under the direction of the radiologist and other medical officers. May be called upon to assist in performing procedures in other specialty modalities. Prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. Must be knowledgeable in the operation of Digital Radiography (DR) equipment and Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS), techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. Supervise in the scheduling exams to ensure maximum usage of equipment and ensures ability to accommodate emergencies exams, practice radiation safety, properly identifies patient images. Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Performs general X-ray, fluoroscopic studies, pain blocks, DEXA scanning and CT duties as needed. Works multiple modalities simultaneously on off tours and confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Notifies the radiologists or referring physicians of possible contraindications or abnormalities that may require their attention for immediate assessment. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Weekdays with rotating holidays and weekends\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Diagnostic Radiologic Tech/PD21O61A\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]