An incentive has been approved for this position. This is an employed Federal Civilian position that affords job security, a competitive base salary, bonuses, paid vacation, paid Federal Holidays, a sick leave benefit, continuing education opportunities, and a first-class health and retirement benefit package. 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. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a ORT 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 ORT 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: 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. 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. 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. 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. Employees who are retained as a ORT 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 ORT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA ORT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Preferred Experience: 4 or more years creditable experience as a general radiographer. 2 or more years creditable experience in CT advanced certification area. 2 or more years creditable experience in MRI advanced certification area. Experience using Siemens MRI and Canon/Toshiba CT equipment. Grade Determinations: Experience. 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. 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: i. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. ii. 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. iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. iv. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; both legs required; both eyes required;, depth perception; hearing (aid permitted). ["This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 6/16/2023. Additional applications will be referred as needed. Computed Tomography (CT) /Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Ensures that adequate quantities of CT/MRI supplies are available to meet workload demands. Assures that CT procedure rooms and MRI scan rooms are stocked with necessary supplies at all times with special attention to emergent equipment and supplies. Positions and performs a wide variety of highly complex CT procedures and MRI 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. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition, sterile field, catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations, etc. Prepares and administers contrast materials. These contrast materials are used in the exams performed in CT/MRI area and the technologist must know the effects and reactions to the contrast. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality. Must be continuously alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technologists in compliance with radiation regulations. Actively makes use of knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes during performance of examinations. Practices MRI safety in order to avoid incidents to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of patient and employee screening procedures prior to entering the MRI environment. The DRT must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the Medical Center, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Utilizes advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognizes changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Performs image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study (cardiac CT, dynamic contrast studies, multiplanar reformations, maximum intensity projections, 3D volume rendering, spine composing and labeling etc.) Maintains proficiency in advanced reconstruction techniques. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Performs regularly scheduled quality control scans and measurements as indicated by CT or MRI vendor. Ensures that images are successfully transmitted to PACS and are available for Radiologic interpretation (this should be done as soon as the study is completed). 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. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability, while minimizing patient dose. Has knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, radiofrequency adjustments and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment and how these concepts apply to performance of examinations. 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. Continually reviews new developments in the field of CT and MRI. 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. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT/MRI/X-Ray) Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for a Highly Qualified individual. 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.
