Summary

This position is located in North Battlefield OPC under Diagnostic Imaging Service. Primary purpose is to performs diagnostic radiography and Bone Density examinations of the spine - extremities - and body. Independently perform diagnostic radiography and bone density procedures to achieve proper diagnosis and treatment. Schedules patients for examinations - evaluate the nature of critical and emergency procedures - and rearrange patient schedule to accommodate these procedures.

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
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• 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
• 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
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Specialized Assignments: Bone Densitometry (BD)
• This non-invasive test measures bone mineral content to diagnose a systemic skeletal disease (osteoporosis) characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural distortion of bone tissue - with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-8 Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• 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
• Reference: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 - December 13 - 2019
• For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: 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
• 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
• and emotional stability.

Duties

• Major duties include - but are not limited to: Perform diagnostic radiography examinations of head - neck - chest - abdomen - pelvis - spine - and extremities
• These exams are performed with and/or without the use of IV or oral contrast materials
• Perform technical work in support of diagnostic radiography under the direction of a physician - including complex radiographic examinations such as UGI - BE - and Arthrograms
• Operate radiology equipment to determine technical factors (i.e
• calculates the correct exposure factors of time - distance - kilovoltage - and milliamperage) - set controls and operate equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure
• Set up the X-ray room - assure sterile supplies - local anesthetics - contrast materials - catheters - and other required equipment are present
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams
• Bone density examination of the spine - extremities and body
• Determines technical factors - positioning of scans - etc. - to produce and satisfy requirements of Bone Density scanning
• Verifies regions of interest (ROI)
• evaluates quality of measurements for problems duet to artifact - pathology - etc.
• recommends additional scans as necessary
• flags values that require physician's attention (low T-score
• unreliable results - etc.)
• and archive results
• Selects and prepares proper imaging cameras - computers and auxiliary equipment to perform procedures
• Positions the patient and equipment to obtain desire images
• Scans questionnaire and FRAX score into patient's medical record/VISTA IMAGING
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Work Schedule: Monday- Friday - 8- 4:30 pm (includes Rotational evenings - weekends - and holidays) Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: N/A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized