Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General Radiologic Technology)

Description:

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, 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.

Requirements:

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. (Transcripts Required)
• English Language Proficiency: English Language Proficiency: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists 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).

Preferred Experience: Min 1 Year Experience- Hospital Setting Preferred.

GS-06: At the GS-06 level, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) .

OR

Education :Successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related filed to diagnostic radiology/imaging. (Transcript required)

AND

In addition, you must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs):

1. Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
2. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
3. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
4. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
5. Ability to learn basic computer functions.

GS-07: At the GS-07 level, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

OR

Education : Successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related filed to diagnostic radiology/imaging. (Transcript required)

OR

Experience/Education : Successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year bachelor's degree program in radiography or directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. ( Transcript required)

AND

In addition, you must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs):

1. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
2. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
3. 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.
4. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.

GS-08: At the GS-08 level, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience at the GS-07 level would include but not be limited to:

• Experience assisting with special procedures such as drainages and biopsies, routine diagnostic radiography, portable radiography, fluoroscopy, operating room imaging, and cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in computed tomography including post-processing applications.

AND

In addition, you must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs):

1. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
3. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
4. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
5. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
6. 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-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-06 to GS-08.

Physical Requirements: Position requires Lifting (Assist Patients from lying position to sitting (and vice versa) with varying degrees of assistance, working with 200+ lbs.)/Carrying (45lbs and over); Sitting/Standing/Walking/Kneeling/Bending/Twisting/Pulling/Pushing/Simple Grasping/Fine Manipulation (Keyboard and Computer Components)/Reaching Above Shoulder/Operating Machinery (US Equipment)/Chemicals (Hospital-Based Solvents) 2-6 hours each requirement per day.