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