Summary

The Radiology Technologist is responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations and fluoroscopic x-ray procedures for the STVHCS. They will perform exams with and without the use of contrast materials and the purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information - refer to Required Documents below.

Qualifications

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)
• NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description
• 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
• 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
• 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: GS-05: None beyond the basic requirements
• GS-06: 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning
• Knowledge of all patient safety procedures
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment
• Ability to learn basic computer functions
• GS-07: 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study
• 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
• Knowledge of computed radiography - CR readers and Digital Imaging systems
• Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills
• GS-08: Experience
• 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: 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 and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• Preferred Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience as an Xray Technologist
• 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-08
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08
• Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting - 15-44 pounds
• Light carrying - under 15 pounds
• Straight pulling (2 hours)
• Pushing (4 hours)
• Reaching above shoulder
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking (4 hours)
• Standing (4 hours)
• Kneeling (2 hours)
• Repeated bending (2 hours)
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
• Both eyes required
• Hearing (aid may be permitted)
• Hearing without aid
• Mental and emotional stability

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties: Performs standard radiographic examinations of the head - trunk and extremities for diagnoses of illness and injuries with minimal to no assistance
• Receives patients and explains examinations to be performed - ensuring patients are properly attired and prepared before positioning patient for requested examination
• Performs procedures as defined by the equipment and scope of services - possibly including GI and small bowel series - cholecystograms - cholangiograms - urethorograms - barium and air contrast enemas - myelograms - arthrograms - venograms - DXA Scans - and contrast injections as it correlates to exam
• Correlates clinical history - pertinent clinical data and other ancillary diagnostic examinations to obtain radiographic images of optimal value
• Able to assist radiologists in fluoroscopic examinations which require incumbent to prepare and administer intravenous - oral - and/or rectal contrast media
• Fluoroscopic studies such as upper GI's - barium enemas - esophagrams and small bowel follow through are performed on a digital fluoroscopy unit employing direct digital radiography
• Assists in training employees and student technologists - coordinates radiation safety - receives patients and explains procedures - prepares x-ray room and equipment
• performs portables - OR procedures - emergency room (Triage) - and recovery room
• Maintains records of patients examined - and studies performed in the VISTA hospital information system and CPRS
• Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate these more urgent requirements
• Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possible
• Incumbent may be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions - and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Properly identifies patient images using left and right markers
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of films to patients does not occur
• The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical
• Performs operator maintenance on equipment as required
• Responsible to the radiologists and supervisors for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to ensure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs
• Performs quality control/assurance checks on studies performed to ensure that only optimally diagnostic images are forwarded to the radiologist(s) for interpretation
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• This is achieved using lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead-lined walls and collimation
• Film badges are worn by the technologists to assure compliance with radiation regulations
• The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the ALM VA Hospital and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• The technologist is responsible for performing call duties to include after-hour tours - weekends - and holidays
• Is familiar with PACS - providing adequate and proper radiographs
• Major Duties will continue in Education Section below: Work Schedule: 4:00PM - Midnight - Monday - Friday - with a rotating holiday calendar
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 54514-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized