The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center independently performs complex diagnostic Computerized Axial Tomography scans and radiographic imaging procedures for both inpatients and outpatients under the supervision of the radiologist. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast agents. Operates imaging equipment (mobile and fixed), assists the radiologist and other providers during fluoroscopic procedures. 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. 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 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). 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. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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. Assignments. For 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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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: 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 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 12/2019, The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; stooping; stretching; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; pulling without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. ["VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Performs CT examinations of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities. Executes, liver, pancreatic, lung nodule, and pulmonary embolus (PE) protocols. Performs multifaceted CTA exams of the heart, brain, pulmonary arteries, and extremities with multiplanar, 3D, and MIP (Maximum Intensity Projection) reconstructions. The technologist uses cross-sectional anatomy in relation to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body to produce complex CT studies. The technologist executes reconstructions of raw data associated with the CT Scan examinations. The technologist performs image acquisition in Digital Radiography (DR) and utilizes the Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS). Employees may also be assigned to team leader, instructional, or supervisory positions at this level. They also work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call. a. Applies radiation protection standards and properly shielding techniques for personnel and patients. Adjusts and adapts equipment use or procedures and techniques in the event of mechanical failures and/or software malfunctions. Uses standard troubleshooting techniques to resolve equipment issues. b. Recognizes standard cross-sectional anatomy. Differentiates between normal physiology or variants versus abnormal pathology or anatomical variations. Performs additional scans/images as required to for evaluation by the radiologist. c. Applies basic psychology skills to manage patients in all phases of general diagnostic/CT including critical care, trauma, apprehensive, and disoriented patients. Engages with family members in a positive, respectful manner. Interfaces with all staff members always demonstrating professionalism and mutual respect. Uses critical thinking skills and effective triage to properly manage multiple urgent/STAT exams. d. Performs basic first-aid procedures for seizures, cardiac arrest, anaphylactic shock, and contrast reactions. Initiates and/or participates in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in keeping with Basic Life Support (BLS) training. Performs aseptic and/or sterile procedure fields assisting the radiologist as directed. Performs required decontamination procedures in the event of a contaminated field, room, and/or an isolation patient. e. Determines the need to call for repair and or/maintenance of equipment, enters the required work order, and notifies the Imaging Administrator, Lead Technologist, or designee. f. Apply general diagnostic/CT technical exposure factors and programming. Assess image quality by evaluating density, contrast, distortion/artifacts, and other exposure factors. g. Performs computer functions as related to general diagnostic and CT scanning, disc storage and use, maintenance of workstation computer files, machine warm up and calibration procedures, limited preventive maintenance to general diagnostic/CT scanning unit and computer components for emergency trouble shooting. h. Utilizes the Radiology Information Systems (RIS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) applications. Protects computer data and patient sensitive information from unauthorized users. Protects access codes for any medical center computer programs. Executes basic computer operations including limited programming functions, keyboard inputs, purpose and functions, or computer programs needed to carry out other job duties. i. Maintains current knowledge of new developments in CT and general diagnostic imaging. j. Practices radiation safety and ALARA principles to protect patients, staff, and self. The incumbent adheres to all applicable safety policies and procedures. k. Participates in quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) activities as directed. l. Properly identifies patients by adhering to medical center policies and selecting correct patient identifiers in the Picture Archiving Computer System (PACS). m. Screens patients in advance for contraindications per CT and/or Diagnostic Imaging policies as applicable. Responsible for explaining the procedure to patient, verifying that the patient understands the exam, and any risks involved with the exam/procedure. n. Schedules exams to optimize throughput while maintaining flexibility to allow for emergency cases. Performs correct prioritization for scheduled patients and accommodates emergency patients requiring immediate care. o. Prepares contrast materials which are used in CT and general diagnostic studies. Continuously monitors the patient's condition for adverse reactions to contrast media. Recognizes patient reactions which require immediate attention to prevent harm to the patient. Work Schedule: Variable Functional Statement #: 436-60139-A"]

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