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. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. Basic Requirements: a. 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.) b. 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.] c. 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. 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 REQUIREMENTS: 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 1 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 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT). 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. GRADE DETERMINATION 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: (1) 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. (2) 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: (a) 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 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 Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather 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; and Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for 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; 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. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. ["Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Major duties may include, but are not limited to: Incumbent performs all examinations in general radiology from routine to complex. 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. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, general diagnostic units as well as portable equipment. DRTs will prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. Performs DEXA (Duel Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) bone density exams of spine, femur, and extremities. Images are release through the picture archiving system (PACS) to the Interventional Anesthesiologist for medical diagnosis and interpretation by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body Functions: Assist Interventional Anesthesiologists during fluoroscopic examinations. Performs fluoroscopic imaging during examinations conducted by other providers. Employs knowledge of anatomy, physiology and cross-sectional anatomy to ensure quality and accuracy of examinations. Knowledge and ability to recognize unusual images to determine proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Monitors the patient's physiology during the procedure and keeps the Interventional Anesthesiologist informed. Has ability to balance the needs of the patient and staff while performing complex scans and procedures. Prepares and has knowledge of different contrast materials under the direction of the Interventional Anesthesiologist for examinations requiring injectable solutions such as cystogram, arthrography and barium suspensions for the purpose of performing upper and lower exams of the GI tract. Sets up and prepares sterile surgical fields and prepares patients for arthrograms, injections or drains. Practices Radiation safety using principles of ALARA, reducing exposure to patient, staff, and self. this is achieved with the utilization of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, time and distance and collimation. Advises Interventional Anesthesiologist , participating providers, or referring physicians of examination results and notifies them of examinations requiring their immediate attention. Performs imaging using direct radiography and computed radiography with the images processed digitally with the ability to adjust the image quality. Demonstrates knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post procedural care of patients. Registers patient procedures in the VISTA system and verifies with the patient the orders are accurate. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number. Properly identifies patient images. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done and what, if any, are potential adverse effects may occur. Trains students in radiographic technique including positioning, exposure factors, patient identification, and environmental factors which result in optimal imaging and meet the needs of the students during their rotation at this facility. Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in all assigned areas. Completes daily check list for assigned work area. Knowledge of patient's clinic records, diagnosis, and lab results. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during a procedure and keep the Interventional Anesthesiologist informed. Participates in educational and training opportunities related to the technical and clinical operation of diagnostic imaging equipment. Checks system for operation and assesses acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Examine equipment for calibration and adjusts as needed. Assist Interventional Anesthesiologist in establishing protocols for routine examinations and makes independent judgements when necessary to deviate from standard procedures. Technologist must be professional, cooperative, and able to work with other employees as well as alone during the off shifts when necessary. Displays skill in using tact, diplomacy and courtesy in dealings with customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors and volunteers. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30AM-4:00PM Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 534-58130F 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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