The incumbent operates equipment both mobile and fixed radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment and assist the radiologist/physician fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plans for patients. The incumbent performs a variety of moderate to very difficult radiographic examinations and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedure. The incumbent monitors, observes, and assists patients. 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 (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology. 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 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). Creditable Experience: (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. Grade Determinations: GS-9 In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be met. Experience. At least 1 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. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. KSA Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures. 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 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; Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather 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; and Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. NOTE: 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. Physical Requirements: Must be able to meet the physical requirements outlined in VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Coordinates daily schedule and consults with physicians, clinical, administrative, and clerical personnel of next day and future day's availability for patient examinations Performs work with computers and completes required forms associated with patient exams, patient visits, complications/or quality improvement activities of the radiology department Schedule patients as needed to include verbal interview for demographic accuracy and patient education prior to procedure, ensuring patient comfort and relaxation Reports equipment failure or concerns to supervisor/appropriate staff Performs exams in the areas of radiology, fluoroscopy and mobile/portable radiology Safely transfers patients from stretcher to wheelchair to radiographic table Reports obvious imaging abnormalities to the radiologist before the patient leaves the radiology department Performs the full spectrum of radiographic exams to include standard radiographs, gastrointestinal exams and genitourinary exams Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Week 1: Wednesday - Saturday, Week 2: Monday - Thursday; 6:45am - 5:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 70343-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized 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.
