Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computerized Tomography) - Incentive Available

Performs Computerized Tomography of the head, neck spine, chest and body. These exams are performed with and the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment. The incumbent is required to perform radiographic examinations in three areas: (1) general radiography, (2) Operating room radiography (3) Cat scan. Technologist will be responsible for clinical and educational duties in all three areas.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]. 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.
• 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9

1. 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.
2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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.
   • Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25
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.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