Perform routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures. These exams use diagnostic x-ray equipment such as portable fluoroscopic units, chest unit, general diagnostic digital rooms, CR (computerized radiology) system, digital fluoroscopic rooms, bone density and portable x-ray machines. This is entry level position. Expectation that incumbent receives guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues and require daily and direct supervision. 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) 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. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are 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. 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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 Determination: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-5 Diagnostic Radiologic Technician. Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements GS-6 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions. GS-7 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. (c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. (d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. GS-8 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, dated December 13, 2019, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards, GS-0647. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range GS-5 through GS-8. ["Assist radiologists in routine fluoroscopic examinations. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms fistulagrams and arthrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. In the case of injected media, a patient I.V consent form must be obtained. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, non-ionic contrast and gadolinium, barium, enema bags and drinking cups. Sterile technique must be practiced at all times. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Lead markers are used, films are annotated as needed, exams are case- edited and archived to the PACS system routinely. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. Film badge will be worn on duty to assure compliance to radiation safety policy. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Performs routine, daily cleaning of assigned area, notifies supervisor of inventory changes. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary, registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface. Assures correct CPT codes are utilized. Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left and right markers. If lead markers are coned off the image, the technologist annotates the image with the correct side and initials. The technologist must be certain that the information on the patient ID band and the request are identical. Technologist verifies patient identity using two identifiers - full social security number and date of birth. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are physically unable to have imaging in the Diagnostic Imaging Service due to incapacity or the need for imaging during surgical procedures. Technologist will use five portable x-ray Units and 1 mobile OEC C-arm fluoro units and 2 Siemen's mobile fluoro units that are located in Surgery to perform these exams. Responsible for stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Must report equipment malfunctions in a timely manner to the supervisor. Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees. Must demonstrate professionalism to promote good relations with other services and agencies. Complete assigned work on time while meeting quality, safety and regulatory standards. Accomplish fair share of examinations in his/her specialty. Productivity results from collaborative effort to maximize utilization of available schedule. Uses the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (Vista) to access information in the Medical Center. Learns how to use CPRS (computerized patient record system) to assist radiologists with patient consents and to access pertinent lab data Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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