Employees at this grade level are to be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology listed above and/or general radiologic technology services. The incumbent's principal responsibilities are to perform CT scan procedures for the patients of this medical center. 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). 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).] Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Must have advanced ARRT Computed Tomography (CT) certification. Grade Determinations: 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (GS-09) 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 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 5005/119, Part ll, Appendix G25, date December 13, 2019. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists. Qualification Standard GS-0647. http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf this can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The announcement is above the full performance GS-9. ["Performs the technical functions related to CT imaging procedures such as: CT Colonography, CT Enterography, CT Angiography Heart and Coronaries, CT Angiography head, chest abdomen and pelvis, CT Cerebral Perfusion studies. Examinations include, but are not limited to, CT examinations of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, extremities, neck, and spine. The incumbent will also assist the Radiologist in performing Interventional procedures under CT guidance. The incumbent will also: Transfer patients from stretcher Ol wheelchair to radiographic table. Prepare room, equipment, and materials needed for patient procedures. Prepare oral and injectable contrast and other chemical mixtures as necessary. Insert catheter needles in patients receiving intravenous (IV) contrast for CT exam. Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures. Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events. Performs all technical aspects of computerized integrated components of all CT studies. Transfers selected images to iSite and verifies the arrival of the complete and accurate images. Is responsible for the quality assurance of the image such as positioning, label, technique, and network information. Any deviance in technique which alters patient dose is reported to the RSO or Supervisor. Sends emergent studies after hours to offsite Teleradiology station assuring proper form is completely filled out. Assures completion of required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and !or quality improvement activities of the Radiology Department. Performs daily maintenance of head and body phantoms, such as changing water, cleaning and removing air hubbies. Performs daily cleaning of equipment as indicated by infection control standards. Administer contrast material, under the direction of the radiologist, according to protocols. Checks and makes minor adjustments to equipment such as setting wedges or changing adjusters. Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, and staff physicians. Maintain a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms at all times. - Provide training to lower grade employees, student radiographers and residents from affiliated programs and facilitates the attainment of established program objectives, Adheres to Medical Center infection control and universal precautions at all times in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental procedures. Follows safety guidelines according to established policies and procedures ensuring the proper disposal of contrast media, sharps, and bodily. Incumbent is required on a rotational basis to on-call standby duty for emergent procedures. Incumbent is required to work alternating Holidays and cover for staff shortages as needed. - Provide education to patients and their families on imaging procedures, - Register patients if clerical support is not available. Follows Joint Commission National Safety Goals. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: (12 hours per shift) Sunday 7:00am - 7:30pm, Monday 7:00am - 3:30pm, Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm, Saturday 7:00am - 7:30pm. Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
