Career Center

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) a student loan payment reimbursement program.You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval award amount up to $200 -000 & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

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
• 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
• (Transcripts Required) English Language Proficiency: English Language Proficiency: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(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 Determinations: GS-05: At the GS-05 level - you must meet the basic language and education requirements listed above
• NOTE: Non-certified DRTs may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B) for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level
• GS-06: At the GS-06 level - you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05)
• OR Education: Successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related filed to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• (Transcript required) AND In addition - you must demonstrate the following knowledge - skills - and abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning
• Knowledge of all patient safety procedures
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment
• Ability to learn basic computer functions
• GS-07: At the GS-07 level - you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• OR Education: Successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related filed to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• (Transcript required) OR Experience/Education: Successful completion of an advanced registry program - with certification - in addition to a 4-year bachelor's degree program in radiography or directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• (Transcript required) AND In addition - you must demonstrate the following knowledge - skills - and abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study
• 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
• Knowledge of computed radiography - CR readers and Digital Imaging systems
• GS-08: At the GS-08 level - you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Experience at the GS-07 level would include but not be limited to: Experience assisting with special procedures such as drainages and biopsies - routine diagnostic radiography - portable radiography - fluoroscopy - operating room imaging - and cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in computed tomography including post-processing applications
• AND In addition - you must demonstrate the following knowledge - skills - and abilities (KSAs): Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers
• 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 Part II - Appendix G25 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS05 to GS-08
• Physical Requirements: Position requires Lifting (Assist Patients from lying position to sitting (and vice versa) with varying degrees of assistance - working with 200+ lbs.)/Carrying (45lbs and over)
• Sitting/Standing/Walking/Kneeling/Bending/Twisting/Pulling/Pushing/Simple Grasping/Fine Manipulation (Keyboard and Computer Components)/Reaching Above Shoulder/Operating Machinery (US Equipment)/Chemicals (Hospital-Based Solvents) 2-6 hours each requirement per day.

Duties

• Duties include but are not limited to: Technologists may rotate shifts on nights and weekends and holidays without supervision and are responsible for making on the spot decisions regarding patient care and procedures
• Technologists may pull on-call duty as required
• The technologist provides direct - one on one - instruction to rotating student technologists - and direct and indirect instruction to Radiology residents
• Accepts constructive criticism and in service from QA Radiology personnel
• Technologist may be authorized for a specified period of time to complete limited timekeeping tasks and/or critical exam-scheduling alterations as the Acting Supervisor whenever the Supervisor of the modality is absent and as designated by Radiology management
• Performs the full spectrum of radiographic and fluoroscopic examinations
• Receives patients - explains method of procedure and asks relevant questions according to established departmental policies prior to starting examinations with contrast media
• The incumbent is responsible for proper positioning of patients
• Prior to exposure selects and sets technical factors
• Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedures
• Sets up the x-ray room - assuring sterile supplies - contrast materials - catheters - and other required equipment are present and set out in an organized fashion for radiologist's use
• Prepares and administers contrast material orally - by enema - or intravenously under radiologist supervision
• Documents all administration of contrast in accordance with established Departmental Policies
• Follows all department policies relating to performing radiographic procedures and contrast administration
• - Performs procedures such as G.I
• examinations - tomography - cholangiograms - & hip pinning in operating suite - intravenous pyelography - arthrography - ERCPs - and routine diagnostic procedures
• Surgical procedures include - but are not limited to: Abdominal Aortic Aneurism repair - laminectomies - cholangiograms - retrograde pyelograms - cystograms - pacemaker placements - hip pinnings - and placement of other foreign materials used in aligning or repairing body parts
• All fluoroscopic procedures will have documented fluoro time - tech time and location particular when in OR and name of Surgeon performing the procedure
• Number of images saved and sent to Vista will also be recorded
• Pages appropriate Radiologist for all intra-operative radiographs performed for localization of missing needles/sponges/other foreign bodies
• Ensures speedy response to stat and urgent exam requests
• Treats all inpatient requests as important and all ER/ICU/PCU requests as urgent
• Transfers patients safely from wheelchairs and stretchers to and from the Radiology suite Properly identifies patient and patient images
• Processes film plates using the CR system
• Performs quality control of the images - assessing for
• proper exposure - positioning - and annotation
• Applies CR post-processing techniques - such as
• window and leveling - edge enhancement - brightness and annotation corrections as necessary before routing images to printer - workstation or archive
• Operates computerized diagnostic fluoro equipment - automated developing film systems - and computerized record systems
• Ensures compliance with infection control standards and practices and all policies of the VA and Radiology Department
• Routinely replenish section stock items/supplies at the end of each shift
• Pursues continuing education activities to stay current in techniques and maintain competency
• maintains mandatory annual training requirements established by the medical center
• Positions patient according to type of study - taking into account patient's physical characteristics - as well as patients comfort and or ability
• Reviews labs - medical history of patient for indications of his/her ability to tolerate the exam and for possible side effects
• Determines technical factors - positioning of scans - etc. - to produce and satisfy requirements of Dexa scanning
• Work Schedule: Full -Time Various shifts and can be discussed during the interview (Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm - OR Tuesday-Saturday 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN15EDRP@va.gov the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required