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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. 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). 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). 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. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-9 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 interrelationship 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. Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments: 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. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Preferred Experience: Able to work independently. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Duties include but are not limited to: Performs all manner of general radiographic examinations. These may include general radiographic examinations of the upper and lower extremity, pelvis, spine, chest, and skull. Performs many Fluoroscopic radiographic examinations to include but not limit to: Upper GI's, Modified Barium Swallows, esophagrams, Barium enemas IVP's , Cystograms, Cholangiograms, Fistulagrams, arthrograms, Myelograms, enterocolysis's, PTC's, and Tomography. In the O.R .the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs retrograde cystourethrograms, orthopedic hip pinnings and ORIFs, kyphoplasty, Digital Subtraction Angiography and arthrectomy , Cholangiograms, Pacer Implants and other studies as needed with the use of C-Arms and the Cysto Unit. A thorough knowledge of radiographic positioning and anatomy must be possessed by the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Performs all manner of CT examinations. These include routine CT examinations of Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, and extremities, more complex examinations such as Liver protocols, pancreatic protocols, Lung nodule protocols, PE protocols and extremely complicated CTA's of the heart, Brain, Pulmonary Arteries and extremities, with multiplanar, 3D, and MIP(Maximum Intensity Projection) reconstructions. The CT Technologist must possess knowledge of anatomy and physiology in order to produce the more complex and complicated CT examinations. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing CT examinations and radiographic examinations requiring injectable contrast and enteric contrast. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, power injectors, contrast media, and enema bags. The radiographer must know the effects and adverse reactions of contrast media. 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 and they 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. Maintains effective control of Radiology and CT area by coordinating, planning, organizing and executing the daily work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departments on the wards, ER, and in surgery. Works independently in Surgery, MPU, Pain clinic, and while doing portable examinations. Schedules patient for exams and maintains daily log of patients and procedures to be incorporated into statistical management workload profiles. Enters patients into the Computerized Patient Record System. Performs all manner of general radiographic examinations. These may include general radiographic examinations of the upper and lower extremity, pelvis, spine, chest, and skull. Performs many Fluoroscopic radiographic examinations toe. Performs Quality Control procedures, which may include (but not exclusively) the following: Daily tube warm up and calibration Lead apron & glove radiation attenuation/penetration survey Daily computer file maintenance Reject/repeat film analysis Radiographic equipment mA linearity and reproducibility CT air calibrations CT phantom scan for ring artifact A thorough knowledge of all radiographic, fluoroscopic, and CT examinations and protocols Keeps abreast of technological advances in the fields of Radiology and CT and incorporates these advances into in-service educational programs for the nursing and physician staff and other technologists on procedures, operation and/or maintenance of new and existing medical equipment. Stays up to date on all Joint Commission Patient Safety goals and how they apply to Radiology. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday with some weekends, various shifts TBD Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN9HREDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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