Performs a wide variety of diagnostic radiography exams under the direction of a physician. Operates all general diagnostic radiographic equipment and PACs related equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients in the Imaging Service. Supports Radiologists and other medical officers, to produce high quality images for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions. Will work at Hibbing MN CBOC clinic directly for the Minneapolis VAHCS. 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. 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). 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. Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ? 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification 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. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technician, GS-5 Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-6 Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-5, 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. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7 Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-6, 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. AND 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-8 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-7, that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. AND 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 Preferred Experience: ARRT certified (American Registry of Radiologic Technologist) Basic Life Support (CPR) References: VA Handbook 5005/119, PART II, APPENDIX G25 Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of the evaluation or examination. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. ["The duties and responsibilities of the DRT include but are not limited to the following: - Receives/Interpret Exam Requests-Receives written requests or instructions for procedures. Interprets the requests or instructions from Radiologists or medical officer. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations. Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians. Supervision is often administrative only and employee may need to contact the Radiologist, the Ordering Physician for clarification, or to alter the order if the original order is not the most appropriate. Receives and instructs on the occasion for very difficult assignments or examinations. Employee understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance of the supervisor when an uncommon, unique, or new procedure is required, or if clarification of the request is needed. - Secures Patient Confidence/Cooperation-Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Independently explains procedures, positions the patient for optimal results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies the procedure or positions to adjust for patient medical condition, and body habitus. Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures. Analyzes the patient needs, determines, and select the technical factor for optimum diagnostic quality, sets the controls and operates equipment. Performs quality control procedures as required and maintains an adequate level of supplies and safety equipment. - Operates Radiology Equipment-Operates Direct Radiography (DR) equipment and Computerized Radiography (CR) equipment. Performs monthly as needed calibrations for the equipment along with running reports such as repeat analysis and patient tracking. Inputs CPT codes and update procedures on the equipment as needed. - Determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage) based on the body part and the individual patient factors. Sets the controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified received the correct calculated exposure necessary for high quality images, but at the lowest possible exposure to the patient. Alters, selects, and sets technical factors for very difficult patient situations, and specialized radiographic examinations. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposure necessary to successfully complete the requested procedures. - Registers patients for examinations and updates status as necessary. Performs relevant clerical duties as they relate to patient care within the section. Maintains computer records of patients and procedures used as required. Review new developments in the field and make recommendations to the Lead Technologist and Supervisors of the unit to adopt those which would improve the operations of the Diagnostic Radiology section. Selects and set technical factors for radiographic examinations. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. Assist in preparation of manuals and assists in devising modifing procedures as necessary. Independently performs all routine and specialized radiographic examinations of head, spine, trunk, G.I. track, urological system, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries. - Positioning of patients and selection of proper technical factors based on individual patients' medical condition and the procedure requested. - Performs consultations with clinicians to obtain complete clinical history; gather pertinent clinical data prior to performing the procedure requested. - Provided education to patients and their families on imaging procedures. - Will work with and train students from the VA school of Radiology of Technology. If assigned to clinical site. - Perform Clerical duties related to scheduling or referring to scheduler, registering and closing out procedures performed in the Imaging Service, sending images to PACS and nighthawk services as needed for optimal patient care. - Will assist with clinic duties such as filling in for Spirometiy, EKG, Cardiac Monitoring testing, Lab, Scheduling and Rooming patients for scheduled appointments if needed by clinic. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified applicants. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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.
