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. Learn more 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).] Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment 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. Preferred Experience: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. [This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.] Preferred Experience: 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.] GS-10 Grade Determinations: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. Preferred Experience: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. [This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.] References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II, Appendix G25 Dated December 13, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["The Huntsville VA Clinic located in Butler Park Huntsville; Alabama is recruiting for Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI/CT/X-Ray) to work within the Radiology/Imaging Services. Our outpatient clinic provides primary care and specialty health services, including mental health services, vision care (optometry), treatment for hearing loss (audiology), women's health services, and more. Duties: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Examinations (50%) Ensures that adequate quantities of MRI supplies are available to meet workload demands. Assures that MRI scan rooms are stocked with necessary supplies at all times with special attention to emergent equipment and supplies. Performs all exams utilizing aseptic techniques. This requires proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for patient contact, preparation of contrast and supplying of catheters when applicable, and other supplies that will come in contact with the patient. Performs image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study. Maintains proficiency on reconstruction techniques. Performs regularly scheduled quality control scans and measurements as indicated by MRI vendor. Responsible for thoroughly screening patients for contraindicated devices, medical conditions, or any other applicable hazard prior to entering the MRI environment. Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Performs other related duties as assigned. An advanced ARRT certification is required for this assignment in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Computed Tomography (CT) Examinations (25%) Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest and body with and without the use of contrast materials. Performs all exams utilizing aseptic techniques. This requires proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for patient contact, preparation of contrast and supplying of catheters when applicable, and other supplies that will come in contact with the patient. Performs image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study. Maintains proficiency on reconstruction techniques. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of patient logbooks registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system and completion of checklist and contrast notes in the CPRS software. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient I.D. band and the request are identical. Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes. Performs other related duties as assigned. An advanced ARRT certification is required for this assignment in computed tomography (CT). Radiography (R) Examinations (25%) Performs digital radiography examinations of head, neck, spine, chest and body. Receives patients and explains examinations to be performed, ensuring patients are properly attired and prepared before positioning them for requested examination. Performs dual-energy axial absorptiometry (DEXA) as ordered by primary or specialty care providers for the evaluation of degenerative osteoporotic disease. Performs general fluoroscopic examinations of multiple body regions, including but not limited to, barium swallow, esophagram, upper GI, small bowel series, cystogram, VCUG, barium enema, myelograms, etc. Performs regularly scheduled quality control images and measurements as indicated by radiography equipment vendor. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. The employee may be required to work a Compressed Work Schedule (CWS) if needed. This subject to change based on the operational needs of the agency.\nFunctional Statement #: FS-521-531\nRetention Incentives: Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Contact Valerie.Shields2@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]