The DRT(R) technologist operates general radiography and fluoroscopy equipment to acquire diagnostic radiographs of patients and support fluoroscopic exams and procedures to enable the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Exam requests are screened for appropriateness and reviewed with a radiologist as needed. 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. 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). 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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, the following criteria must be met to be minimally qualified: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-6 LEVEL: Completion of 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-5), that is directly related to the position to be filled and that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics needed to provide services as a diagnostic radiologic technologist. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-7 LEVEL: Completion of 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-6), that is directly related to the position to be filled and that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics needed to provide services as a diagnostic radiologic technologist. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-8 LEVEL: Completion of 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-7), that is directly related to the position to be filled and that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics needed to provide services as a diagnostic radiologic technologist. Preferred Experience: At least one year experience in Radiography. Experience in the operating room, Fluoro and Bone Densitometry. Physical Requirements: Frequent standing, walking, grasping, carrying, reaching, bending, stooping and speaking. Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds. Frequent use of computer keyboard and phone. Precise control of power-assisted equipment and devices ["Major Duties: Receive patients, confirm patient identification, obtain patient history, provide patient education, provide reassurance, and ensure patient comfort. Perform fall risk assessment and mobilize appropriate assistive lifting and transfer devices as needed. Apply strategies to reduce risk of falls - remove obstacles and tripping hazards. Continually assess the condition and needs of patients to ensure patient safety, comfort, privacy, and dignity. Coordinate care to provide service timely to the clinical need. Review exam requests for appropriateness before performing exams. Use appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, patient interview, chart review or contact with the ordering clinician to clarify as needed. Apply radiation safety practices, including the concepts of time, distance and shielding, and the ALARA principle of keeping radiation exposure to As Low as Reasonably Achievable. Perform general maintenance operations on equipment such as warm-up and shutdown sequences, calibration, QC and basic troubleshooting. Maintain logs to document equipment performance history and malfunctions. Identify deviations from equipment specifications and initiate service or other corrective action. Provide assistance to service engineers, OI&T staff, and service support with basic troubleshooting on imaging devices, computer systems and PACS to help resolve issues. Demonstrate knowledge of PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems), including fundamental knowledge of network interfaces, routing of images to electronic archives, quality control, and basic troubleshooting. Ensure completed exams are properly archived both in PACS and VISTA Imaging. Demonstrate knowledge of life support equipment, including QC of crash cart, set-up of oxygen and suction apparatus. Demonstrate ability to adhere to Daily Assignments following established SOP's, checklists, protocols, and policies to effectively complete daily assignments. Download images onto CD/DVD or other approved storage devices according to established protocols and policies. Upload outside images to PACS according to established protocols and policies. Apply working knowledge of CPT coding compliance, using appropriate exam codes, and coding resources. Perform general radiography exams. Operate Direct Radiography (DR) equipment including portable and fixed radiography units. Optimize technical factors such as exposure, patient positioning, centering, collimation, grids, filters, protocol selection and other relevant factors to achieve high quality, diagnostic radiographs with the lowest radiation achievable dose, and the minimum number of retakes. Demonstrate knowledge of direct radiography (DR) systems including optimal positioning of DR plates, specific exposure requirements, system applications and digital post-processing techniques to optimize image quality and annotate images. Use CPRS within scope of technologist competencies such as, chart review, entering progress notes, entering patient education notes, and entering policy orders. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Intermittent Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position."]

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