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-5 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area. Such duties are performed under closer supervision. GS-6 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) 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. Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs, performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards. They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations. 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-7 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6) 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. Assignment. DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. 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-8 (Full Performance Level) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II Appendix G-25The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. In accordance with Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer Bulletin, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated September 30, 2022; Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, 0647 (all specializations are included) are not subject to Veterans Preference. This will continue until September 30, 2023. Veterans Preference will not be collected for this announcement. ["At the full performance level of this position, the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic radiographic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. Functions or duties of this position include but are not limited to: Performs all manner of 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 DRT. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms fistulagrams and arthrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. (In the case of injected media, a patient consent form must be obtained, when indicated.) These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, contrast media, and enema bags. These contrast materials and the radiographer must know their effects and adverse reactions. 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. A thorough knowledge of Radiographic equipment must be possessed by the DRT due to the variety of examinations and contingency planning the technologist must know how to operate C-Arms, a digital cysto unit, portable x-ray units, digital radiography units, computerized radiography systems and plate readers, film screen technology, chemical film processors, and digital fluoroscopy units. Maintains effective control of Radiology area by coordinating, planning, organizing and executing the daily work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departments. 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 quality control procedures which may include (but not exclusively) the following: Daily tube warm up Monthly digital array calibration Daily computer file maintenance and reboot Radiographic equipment mA linearity and reproducibility Reject/repeat film analysis Annual Lead apron & glove radiation attenuation/penetration survey Keeps abreast of technological advances in the fields of Radiology and incorporates these advances and incorporates these advances into in-service educational programs for the other radiology technical staff. Knowledge of basic nursing practices and first aid as related to radiology including: emergency cardiac arrest procedures, principles of hypodermic, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous injections and sterile operating procedures. Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and is able to make minor repairs and/or adjustments. Exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to Biomedical service representative. Work Schedule: Day Shifts including on-call and rotating holiday shifts. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 40175-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be 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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