Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Qualifications

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)
• 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
• 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
• For grade levels above the entry level - the candidate must be certified
• Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• 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)
• 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 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
• (3) 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 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
• (3) 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 that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• (3) 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• 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. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Duties include but are not included to: a
• Performs routine radiographs - portable exams - fluoroscopy - and OR imaging
• b
• Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records
• Receives and interprets all radiology requests
• Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer
• Schedules appointments - processes exam requests - and registers patient exams - cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS)
• c
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract
• The radiographer is qualified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary
• The radiographer must know the effects and adverse reactions of the contrast materials
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality - therefore - it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it
• Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders
• Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment
• d
• Accurately utilizes PACS for acquisition - transmission - storage - and review of images - performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the Radiologist
• e
• Has knowledge to perform Quality Control procedures - which may include (but not limited to) the following: Reject/repeat image analysis - Lead apron & glove radiation verification
• f
• Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section
• g
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients and staff while applying elements of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle
• This is includes appropriate use of lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - collimation and distance management
• Film badges are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance to radiation regulations
• h
• Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the examination being performed
• Explains to patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure
• i
• Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus
• j
• Explains examinations to be performed to patients so they understand the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients so they are thoroughly understood be required to monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• k
• Properly identifies patient with at least 2 patient identifiers in accordance with VAPORHCS policy - confirms identity on order - properly identifies patient images and utilizes L(eft) and R(ight) markers
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of images to patients does not occur l
• Participates in the training of rotating x-ray students and technologists - but does not supervise them
• m
• Incumbent shall identify system errors and work with the Supervisor - Assistant Chief Tech and BioMed department to facilitate the effective and timely service of radiographic equipment
• n
• Incumbent will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible o
• Additional duties as necessary within the scope of practice for Diagnostic Radiography
• Work Schedule: 1-overnight /3 other variable with on call Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact V20CompensationTeam@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized