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. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at this grade level are to be qualified to provide diagnostic radiologic services, including x-ray radiology and computerized tomography. 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: US citizen 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). 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. 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). 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 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. Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 (1) 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. (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 one of the following assignments: (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 the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *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 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 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 interest to the physician. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification. Specialized Assignments. 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 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 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 9. Physical Requirements: Work is physical and demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying items and transferring patients with use of moving implements ["The incumbent operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations with and without the use of contrast material. They perform technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. Incumbent operates general X-ray radiology and CT scan equipment and assists radiologists and surgeons in fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic and or treatment plan for patients. The Incumbent performs computerized tomography (CT), and radiographic examinations of the head, neck spine, chest, body, and extremities. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. Supports radiologist or other medical officers to produce radiographic studies used to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Must be knowledgeable in the procedures for handling adverse reactions including CPR certification and preparing incident reports. Knowledgeable and proficient in sterile techniques, isolation, and reverse isolation procedures. Prepares contrast materials under the supervision of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as CT scans, IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms fistula grams, and arthrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, ionic and non-ionic contrast, barium, enema bags and gastrografin. Knowledge of the effects and adverse reactions associated with these agents. Must continuously monitor the patient's condition. Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient Proficient in venipuncture procedures to obtain IV access for administration of contrast materials. Independently makes routine radiographic examinations and CAT scans of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries. Operates computerized radiography as well as conventional Radiology equipment. Determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage), sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Selects and sets technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. Incumbent schedules exams when needed to optimize use of all the radiographic equipment including CT scanner while maintaining flexibility to allow for emergency cases. This requires the prioritization of scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate emergency patients who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from radiologist or medical officers. Independently carries out the requests made by physicians, recording, and utilizing appropriate CPT codes for exams. Performs as technologist in charge on less demanding shifts or when functioning outside the department with mobile units in the ED, ICU, OR at bedside. Performs all required information support tasks including exam registration, tracking, etc. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the completion of checklist and contrast / radiology notes in the CPRS package. Prepares exam rooms with sterile supplies, local anesthetics and any supplies required for given exams. Maintains proficiency on reconstruction techniques. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the head of the unit adoption of those which would improve the operations of the radiology section. Properly identifies patient films using flash identifiers, and L & R markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity of films to patients does not occur. Must be certain patient identification and the requests are identical. Incumbent performs picture archival duties. Captures computerized radiographs, applies an algorithm, configures the image, and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. This procedure requires the technologist to have a general knowledge of computer operations. Image manipulation and transmission is critical in computerized radiography. Performs irregular hour emergency scans on standby, 24hours per day, coverage. Work Schedule: Full time; Day tour; evenings, nights, weekends and holidays may be required as needed Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 21V90-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact - Christine.Mcmahon2@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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