Career Center

Summary

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. Program 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.

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) - [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 employment
• For grade levels above the entry level - the candidate must be certified
• 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).] 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 GS-9: 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
• GS-8 is the next lower level
• Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level
• Candidates at this grade level must be qualified 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
• Preferred Experience: Experience in CT
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• This position is above full performance level at the GS-9. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles
• Somepushing and pulling
• Patients sometimes are assisted to achieve proper positioning which may requirereaching or work in strained positions
• Reaching above shoulder - use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required) - prolonged walking - prolonged standing - repeated bending - ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously - far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 - ability to distinguish basic colors - speed in working - and emotional stability
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d).

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf The Duties include but are not limited to: Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery - etc
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams
• Determines technical factors - positioning - number and thickness of scans - etc. - to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning
• Schedules patients for examinations
• Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results
• Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention
• Performs peripheral and visceral/abdominal systems and extremities and CT angiography - including spine - head and neck studies
• These studies include renal - hepatic - mesenteric - aortic - femoral - etc
• The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated x-ray equipment - pressure injectors - biplane imaging - patient monitors - etc
• Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography and other exams
• Must have a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage as any improper use or administration can run the risk of patient mortality
• Capable of performing reconstructions of general CT and CT angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography
• Is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available
• The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes
• Is trained to start IV for administration of contrast material when necessary
• Maintains records of patients examined - examinations performed - views taken and technical factors used
• Assures that images are properly archived into PACS
• Understands the importance of complete and accurate statistical input into the department collection of information for strategic planning
• Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms that patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam
• May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Properly identifies patient images
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur
• The technician must be certain that the patient I.D
• band and the request are identical
• Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number
• Responsible for stocking and inventory of all CT supplies and related materials
• Receives and interprets all radiology requests by reading the order and history
• Registers the exam
• Cancels and edits exams via the computer radiology information system (RIS) as necessary and after consulting with the staff Radiologist
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• Performs irregular stand-by duty on a rotational basis to provide 24-hour hospital coverage
• Observes and trains rotating x-ray students and technologists - medical clinic clerks - and volunteers that assist clerically or work within the department
• Knowledge of teaching practices in providing superior quality education to students - CT Technologists - and residents in the field of CT
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8am to 430pm with rotating night - weekend - and holiday coverage/on-call as needed EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• 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) 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) Telework: Not available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized