This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 30, 2022. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 15 days after initial opening date with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st AND 15th of each month, referrals will be contingent on the availability of vacant positions). Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals OR as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. 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). 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. Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determined the appropriate grade assignments of candidates: GS-9 DRT(a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) 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. In addition to above, The candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): a. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures; b. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information form the medical record, significant others, and health care providers; c. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure; d. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography; e. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions; and f. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. 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 one 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. 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. 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 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 particular interest to the physician. This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: The individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, standing up to 6 hours, wearing PPE (Lead Apron) up to 6 hours, bending, transferring. stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, or pulling without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other. A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy. ["This announcement is amended as follows: Work Schedule: Thursday - Sunday, 2:00pm until 12:00am (midnight) Four ten (10) hour shifts.\nApplicants who applied to the announcement before it was amended should reapply and address the updated information if necessary. Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Proficiently manipulates image data, utilizes multi-slice technology, generates diagnostic CTA, 3D and multi-planar exams for interpretation. Performs CT guided biopsy procedures. Performs DT myelography of the spine when required. Prepares oral and IV contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography and other exams. Obtain I.V. consents on all patients as required and provide instruction to Metformin patients, in consultation with radiology faculty as required. Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Properly identifies patient images. Explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur because of the exam. Work Schedule: Thursday - Sunday, 2:00pm until 12:00am (midnight), Four ten (10) hour shifts.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Diagnostic Radiological Technologist-Computed Tomography (CT)/PDF00639\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]