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The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Interventional Radiography (IR) Cardiovascular-Interventional (CV) uses specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as IR fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc. 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 (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. 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). 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. Preferred Experience: Minimum of 2 years of Cardiac Catheterization, Interventional Radiology, and Electrophysiology studies Minimum of 2 years of surgical scrub experience Grade Determinations: GS-09: In addition to the basic requirements for employment as listed above, applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-08 grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Examples of qualifying experience includes, but is not limited to: experience checking radiologic systems for operation and assessing acceptable performance based on established guidelines; making calibration parameter adjustments as needed; monitoring a patients physiologic changes during procedures and keeping the radiologist informed, experience with the patients clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; experience using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; experience utilizing knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Interventional Radiography (IR). Technologists working in this special assignment may function as vascular interventional (VI), cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists which use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. IR technologist must be knowledgeable in digital imagining and PACS. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by and asterisk (*). (*) Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. (*) Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, GS-647 dated December 13, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Work requires physical exertion such as periods of standing (up to 6 hours), walking (up to 4 hours), repeated bending (1 hour), straight pulling (2 hours), pushing (1 hour), use of fingers, both hands required, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, reaching above the shoulder, heavy carrying (45 pounds and over), heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), knelling (1/4 hour). Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other. Ability to distinguish shades of colors. Hearing (aid permitted), repetitive computer use. Environmental Factors: Working around machinery with moving parts, protracted or irregular hours, radiant energy, working closely with others, working with hands in water, slippery or uneven walking surfaces. Possible exposure to communicable disease and bloodborne pathogens. ["The incumbent's principal responsibilities are to perform interventional, vascular and diagnostic radiology procedures, with most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires \"scrub-in technique,\" preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, supplying of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. This is done to minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures and involves the use of sterile packs, gloves, syringes, guide wires, catheters, clean-up trays, etc., after exam is completed. Such procedures may be performed in the operating room in lieu of the interventional radiology suite. The incumbent must be knowledgeable in Computerized Radiography (CR) and Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS). The position reports to the Specialty Care, Nursing Services. Duties include, but are not limited to: Performs angiography, venograms, myelograms, percutaneous nephrostomy, tumor ablation, vertebraplasty, pain management procedures and other special/interventional procedures. Also, performs vascular procedures in the OR, operate C-Arm, portables, CR, DR radiography, portables and various diagnostic procedures; Prepares contrast materials. These contrast materials are used in the exams performed in the special procedure area and the technologist must know the effects and reactions to the contrast; Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc.; Performs myelography of the complete spine utilizing conventional x-ray units, patient immobilizers, etc., when required. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal.; Performs neuroangiography, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc.; Performs Cardiac Catheterizations, cardiac angiography of the heart and cardiac system, and related procedures; Responsible for the intravenous injection of contrast media and operating power injector; Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm or 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, on-call weekdays/weekends and as patient care dictates\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist/PD000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]