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. 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: Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3g. Certification: All applicants must be certified in Advanced Radiology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology ARRT (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT). 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.]. **(Copy Certification required with application packet)** English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d), and 7407 (d). Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).**(Transcripts required with application packet)** 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 5, 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.**Must have ARRT (R) certification and Advanced ARRT (CT)Certification** Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of 1 year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work. 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). Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST (CT),GS-9 GRADE DETERMINATIONS: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Specialized Experience: Must possess at least (1) year of experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level (GS-8), which include but are not limited to: 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 Knowledge of physiology Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. AND 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. ["Incumbents at this level are fully functional as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. This is a hybrid multi-disciplined position combining the duties of Computed Tomography (CT) (50% of the time) and Routine Radiologic exams (50% of the time). Percentage may fluctuate with needs of the service. Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck spine, chest and body. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment. This modality consumes 50% of the incumbents' time. Performs general diagnostic radiography of the entire body that includes radiographic examinations at the bedside (portable) along with portable fluoroscopy procedures. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. Employees at this grade level are to be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of routine, fluoroscopic and Radiologic technology of a diagnostic nature. Performs a variety of routine and very difficult radiographic examinations and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedure. This modality consumes 50% of the incumbents' time. Duties at this level include, but are not limited to: Confers with radiologist to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans to product and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises radiologist or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies radiologists or physicians of scans requiring their immediate attention. Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal system and extremities. These angiographic studies include renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral. The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized tomography, pressure injectors, image reconstruction on various body planes as requested by specialty clinics. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the vascular systems. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography and other exams. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient, is certified to insert IV intravascular catheters via needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technicians in compliance with radiation regulations. Performs reconstructions of advanced, complex CT applications (3D vessel analysis) and angiographic studies on the CT workstation when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Work Schedule: Friday 6AM/9:30AM - 6 PM, Saturday/Sunday 6AM - 6PM, (Every Other) Monday 6PM - 6AM Functional Statement/FS #: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography)(CT), GS-0647-9 (91209-A). Service Line: Imaging Service Telework: Not available Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized PCS/Relocation Allowances: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Drug Testing: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a drug testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with the VA. In addition, any offer of employment will be rescinded with a verified positive drug test. VA employees in drug testing designated positions are also subject to post appointment random drug testing. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
