Diagnostic Radiologic Tech

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.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. NOTE: 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.
• 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.]
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Grandfathering Provision:
All persons employed in VHA as a DRT 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 DRT occupation.
Grade Determinations:
In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:
GS-05:
Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. 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-06:
Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) 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. 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. AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following 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:
Experience or Education: At least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06) 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 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. (2) 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. AND
KSAs: In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following 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.
5. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

GS-08:
Experience: Must have at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Employees at this grade level serve as staff Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRTs) at the full performance level. 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. AND
KSAs: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following 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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25
Physical Requirements: Light to Moderate lifting and carrying, up to 44 pounds; straight pulling; pushing; reaching at and above shoulders; use of both hands and fingers required; walking and/or standing (6-8hours); crawling; kneeling; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.Education: IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: FULL_TIME