Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Qualifications

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)
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-9) level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Preferred Experience: Ability to perform diagnostic x-ray examinations, operation fixed fluoroscopy, portable radiographic equipment to include portable fluoroscopy Physical Requirements: This employee functions in direct patient care
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) work requires long periods of standing and/or walking up to 8 hours
• There is repeated bending, pushing/pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons
• Movement and manipulation of moderately heavy equipment, which is generally power assisted, such as portable machines, hospital beds, gurneys, wheelchairs, and patent lift equipment
• Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions
• Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients to be done with assistance from other employees and various Safe Patient Handling &
• Mobility devices (i.e
• EZ-MAT, overhead lifts, slider boards, etc.) provided by the Radiology Section
• Near vision correctable at 13 inches to 16 inches to Jaeger 1 - 4 and far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other is acceptable
• Hearing aids are permitted.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Advanced modality requires specific knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and its application in spiral, helical and multi-slice computed tomography, inclusive of volume rendering, 3-D imaging, Maximum Intense Projection (MIP) imagery in addition to multi-planar reconstruction (MPR)
• Employee is trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to advanced modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures
• Capable of performing routine and complex CT examinations, as well as a basic understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology
• Perform peripheral, visceral, and cerebral angiography using bolus tracking, cardiac gating (prospective and retrospective gating techniques)
• Well-developed time management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize assignments and work within standardized operating procedures and scientific methods to achieve objectives and meet deadlines
• Work independently when required, as well as be part of the team
• Possess written and verbal communications skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including non-medical people
• Remain current with knowledge of imaging technology, procedures, local policies, VA Directives, TJC Compliance and pertinent guidelines
• Coordination of care with clinics and departments such as ICU, Anesthesia, Interventional Radiology, Cardiology, General Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Emergency Department
• Confer with Radiologists and other clinical staff to interpret all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness, and assessment of protocol based on clinical indication, research of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and patient presentation
• Order Exams in the EMR, review the screening and contrast assessment forms for accuracy, employs the use of Pregnancy Screening Forms and Consent forms as required by policy, and researches all questionable information prior to initiating the exam
• Apply infection control practices for all procedure, as mandated by Medical Center and Radiology Service Infection Control policies, to include performing exams utilizing aseptic techniques, minimizing hazards associated with invasive procedures, and proper disposition of all Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), and disposal of bodily fluids, and other clean up as required
• Prepare, administer, and document the use of contrast materials, including intravascular, oral, rectal, etc
• to include appropriate first aid and emergency response measures in adverse reactions/situations
• Implement radiation safety practices such as \"As Low As Reasonably Achievable\" (ALARA), actively participates in dose reduction and optimization processes and exercises good judgment when evaluating diagnostic quality versus artifacts and anomalies that may require repeat exposures
• Champions Safe Patient Handling and Mobility initiatives and guidelines, to include use of patient transfer equipment/resources and advocates for others to employ safe patient handling practices
• Autonomous regulation and completion of all Talent Management System (TMS) training, Biennial Continuing Education requirements, Continuing Qualifications Requirements (ARRT CQR), America Heart Association Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) standards
• Work Schedule: Rotating shifts, on-call, days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact Michael.Campbell6@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more 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 #: 60315A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized