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. 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. Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of of employment. 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). English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Grade Determinations: 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. 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. 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. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the fulltime workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology ( R ) and computed tomography (CT), CT 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 in Computerized Tomography.] General Radiologic Technology (R). DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in digital radiography (DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS). Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Duties include, but are not limited to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, GS-0647 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["The DRT technologist Performs general radiology, operating room, and fluoroscopy exams. These exams maybe performed with contrast media to enhance images. He/she reviews the requisition with the radiologist or supervising physician to achieve the appropriate images for the clinical history required. Must have a good knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determine proper and safe positioning to best demonstrate area of interest and is required to determine the physical condition, needs and capabilities of the patient and to tailor exams to the patient's symptomology, age, limitations and possible differentials common to that age group. Confers with the radiologist to determine requirements of non-standard exams and determines technical factors, positioning, and protocols. Has knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results to the extent needed. Performs operating room fluoroscopy for multiple procedures including peripheral and visceral angiography, and gastrointestinal, genitourinary, orthopedic, podiatry and pulmonary, pain control procedures, etc. Performs exams as required utilizing surgical sterile precautions and ensures that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient Prepares contrast material that are used in the Operating Room and for fluoroscopic examinations and must be competent to monitor the patient during the administration of contrast to prevent contamination and recognize contrast reactions and access site extravasations. Has the ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist or supervising physician informed. Must immediately alert the Radiologist during normal work hours to any reactions the patient may experience during the administration of contrast. Performs quality control duties as assigned. The technologist is also actively involved in the Quality Assurance and Quality Control programs of the department. Is familiar with National Patient Safety Goals (NSPG) and practices based on ALARA (As Low as Reasonably Achievable). Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self and utilizes low dose protocols when appropriate. Demonstrates clinical competence with regard to filling his/her duties and responsibilities, utilizing DRT equipment, and complying with the requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs and The Joint Commissions. He / She must also be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the section, department, and medical center. Is required to utilize the Digital Radiography and PACs system and monitor the PACS exception list for image upload failure. Is also required to upload images on tele radiology portals, when directed to do so. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday ; Hours will be determined upon selection Virtual: This is not a virtual position. EDRP Authorized: Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more"]

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