As a full performance DRT, perform a substantially full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. These exams are performed without and with the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies in which proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. 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). Physical Requirement. pre-employment physical is required. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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). Preferred Experience: DRT experience in a clinic or hospital setting with 3+ years of experience. GRADE REQUIREMENTS. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), interventional radiologic technology (IR), quality management (QM), picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor. 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 computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS). Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:(a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.(b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.(c) 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.(d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.(e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:(a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.(b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.(c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.(d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.(e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.(f) 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 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 dated December 13, 2019.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is Grade 8. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting; carrying; straight pulling; pushing; reaching above shoulders; use of fingers and hands; walking; standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination necessary. ["Performs all general diagnostic radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures including, but not limited to, skull, spine, torso, extremities, and gastrointestinal and genitourinary.Functions or scope of assigned duties as follows: Prepares oral and rectal contrast for fluoroscopic procedures. Obtains pre-procedure radiographs/images Assist physicians with fluoroscopic exams. Performs the post-fluoroscopic radiographs/images for procedures, such as routine and air contrast studies of the gastrointestinal system, arthrogram, venograms, myelograms, ERCP and cholangiograms. Assists the physician in obtaining informed consent for the injection of contrast media for patients with no known contrast allergy. Assist the physician in obtaining laboratory values needed prior to the injection of contrast media, such as BUN and creatinine. Screens female patients within childbearing age for possible pregnancy. Maintains ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) exposures for patient, coworkers and self. Uses radiation safety devices to properly shield patients within childbearing years. Completes annual radiation safety training in TMS. Schedules inpatients and add on outpatients, contacts floor to request patients to be brought to department for procedure, and prioritizes workload to accommodate emergent and urgent procedures. Monitors patient's condition by observation and reports any unusual condition to physician, nurse, chief technologist or designee of chief technologist. Prepares for the administration of contrast media and a limited number of anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs such as Lidocaine or Glucagon under the direct supervision of a physician. Prepares sterile tray for arthrogram, myelogram, hip injection, and other invasive fluoroscopic procedure in conformance with strict sterile technique. Properly identifies patient before performing a procedure. Performs diagnostic radiographs/images of genitourinary system after injection of contrast media as directed by protocol or by physician. Performs intraoperative radiographs/images or fluoroscopic procedures in the operating room or GU/CYSTO room utilizing C-arm fluoroscopic equipment, portable radiographic equipment or fixed radiographic/fluoroscopic equipment. Operates laser printer equipment and replenishes film as needed for this operation. Provides coaching for Radiologic Clinical Students Uses VISTA, CPRS, Phillips PACS (iSite Enterprise) and Microsoft Outlook software systems. Other duties may be assigned. Work Schedule: Rotation of daylight, evenings, weekends, holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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."]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
