Career Center

Summary

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) assignments at this level are above the full performance level - performing the full range of duties. Performs a wide variety of complex ultrasound (US) imaging examinations for FVAMC patients to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury.

Qualifications

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)
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT) - magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - Ultrasound (US) [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.] (1) 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)
• 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 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
• ii
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• iii
• *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• iv
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• v
• 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional a
• Receives and reviews requests from physicians and other health care providers for US examinations of patients
• Determines the condition(s) at issue and the best way to meet the needs of the individual case
• b
• Receives and positions patient for examination
• Explains procedures and actions to allay fears and secure maximum cooperation
• c
• Sets up - adjusts and operates sonography equipment
• Incumbent will perform US exams to include - but not limited to: AAA screen - abdomen - aorta - bladder - breast - carotid - deep venous thrombosis (DVT) - gallbladder - kidney - liver - pelvis - scrotum - spleen - thyroid - venous Doppler - renal and liver biopsy exams
• Selects the appropriate protocol(s) - and conducts examination - adjusting technique and equipment to best present the medically significant aspects found
• If unanticipated conditions or anomalies are discovered - extends and modifies procedure to ensure full and accurate information as to findings and patient condition
• Monitors patient condition during examination and - if necessary - renders emergency aid and summons assistance
• Assists radiologist or physician in evaluating results
• d
• Trains other personnel in US principals - procedures - capabilities - techniques - and equipment
• Explains concepts and principles of the methodology and its use and limitations as a diagnostic tool
• Develops ultrasound imaging training plans for incorporation in other programs of instruction
• Conducts hands-on training and technical oversight of other technologists
• Develops or adapts and documents new or changed procedures to accommodate equipment changes or new techniques in ultrasound imaging
• e
• Performs operator level maintenance and care of equipment
• Assists in calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions of all equipment associated with the US unit
• Identifies need for and initiates action to obtain higher-level support
• Prepares and replaces imaging material (film packs)
• f
• Establishes and monitors quality control program
• g
• Establishes and maintains a variety of files and records relating to ultrasound activities and functions
• Prepares reports of examinations - equipment status and utilization - workload - supply status and consumption - and related matters
• h
• Assures migration of images from the US unit to the Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) is correct and complete Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)