This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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. 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: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. ii. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. iv. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. Preferred Experience: Both ARRT Advanced CT an MRI credential REQUIRED for this position as it is an ADVANCED DRT position. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-10 to GS-10. Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 ["Duties include but are not limited to: MRI 75% a) Performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head, neck spine, chest and body, while applying elements of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. b) Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). c) Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing MRI exams. The technologist is qualified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. The technologist must know the effects and adverse reactions of the contrast materials. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality; therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it. Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment. d) Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number, and thickness of scans, etc., to produce quality diagnostic MRI exams. Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. e) Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Imaging Service policy. Explains examinations to be performed to patients so they understand the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients, so they are thoroughly understood and the hazards, if any are possible. May be required to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. f) The technologist will confirm completion of patient safety screening, confirming responses and initialing patient screening forms. Confirm completion and documents on the spot Level II Safety Training of non-imaging personnel entering the MRI suite. Maintains control of/ restricting access to MRI Zone 4. Participates in MRI quarterly Fire drills and Cardiac arrest drills, reinforcing technologists' role in removing patient from magnet and transferring them to corridor for assistance by non-imaging personnel g) Properly identifies patients with at least 2 patient identifiers in accordance with VAPORHCS policy, confirms identity on order, and properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of images to patients does not occur. CT: 25% a) Utilizes highly sophisticated equipment such as computerized tomography scanners, pressure injectors, patient monitors, etc. taking education, training, and available resources into account for appropriate usage. b) Performs all studies presented in the CT Department. This includes but is not limited to routine and specialty neuro, chest, body, musculoskeletal, and CTA imaging as well as interventional/specialty procedures (i.e. biopsies, aspirations, injections, bladder and rectal contrast administration, etc.). c) Works with the radiologist/resident as a member of the radiology team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists in the performance of exams, to include recommending appropriate contrast materials in order to achieve optimal diagnostic results. Must be continuously on alert for the patient's condition, the sterile field, and the supplies needed for each specific examination. The alertness of the technologist is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technical factor corrections, etc. Work Schedule: To be determined by Service/Supervisor Compressed/Flexible: No Telework: Not eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized"]

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