Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary

The position is that of a Registered Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist with skill and training in Interventional Angiography, 3-Dimensional carotid angiography and stent placement, 3-Dimensionalperipheral angioplasty and stent placement, Cardiac Catheterization, Cardiac angioplasty and stent placement, and related Cardiac procedures such as permanent pacemakers, temporary pacemakers, ICDs and Biventricular devices.

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Duties

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VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist:

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Performs a variety of complex, specialized radiographic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations. Foremost is the innovative 3-Dimensional angiography with high speed rotational and prop scanning, peripheral cryoplasty and Helix air driven mechanical Thrombolectomies. Other procedures include but are not limited to: visceral and peripheral angiography, absecess drainages, fistulograms, renal arteriograms, angioplasties, stent placements, venograms, carotid arteriograms, carotid stent placements, biopsies, cardiac catheterization, and other related cardiac procedures.

Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table.

Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures.

Provide support of those of a radiologic cardiac technologist in the Cardiac Catheterization Suite during procedures such as diagnostic cardiac catheterizations, balloon angioplasties, valvuloplasty and TPA therapy, as well as that of an interventional radiology technologist with all related procedures such as drainages, peripheral procedures, biopsies, stents, and angioplasties.

Manages technical support for new, complex innovative scans and procedures such as 3-dimensionalcarotid and peripheral stent placement, high speed rotational cardiac peripheral scans, prop scans, peripheral cryoplasties and Helix air driven mechanical Thrombolectomies.

Using sterile technique, prepares surgical procedural trays, Scrubs in with the physician to assist tableside.

Knowledge in and follows all aseptic techniques and universal precautions pre, during and post procedure.

Operates, maintains and records complex cardiac hemodynamic data using a specialized multi-channel, multifunctional electronic recorder.

Prepares and operates various other complex equipment used in obtaining physiologic measurements in cardiac procedures, such as ACT's, oxygen consumption computers, defibrillators, temporary pacemakers.

Complete certification in ACLS/BLS - recognizing signs of distress, adverse reactions, or potentially life-threatening arrhythmias and reports these to the physician and assists in the treatment of these conditions.

Performs necessary computer work, pre and post procedure, prepares required procedural/patient forms, gathers relevant patient information from sources such as medical records, families, and healthcare providers associated with patient exams.

Maximizes patient throughput by; contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc.

Maintains adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms at all times. Keeps abreast of current literature in cardiovascular and interventional technology. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills needed to set up and position patients, and select proper technical factors on an individual patient basis to provide diagnostic procedures.

Monitors the examination by checking computations, performance, and result of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic data and images.

Performs technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer, disk drives. The incumbent assists manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the trouble shooting of malfunctions in the equipment, notifies Supervisor, Cardiology.

Uses computer programs with competence, and establishes and monitors quality control programs. Maintains operation logs and patient files on each examination.

The incumbent coordinates daily schedule and consults with hospital physicians, clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to the daily and future patient examinations. Performs or monitors safety check on patients, employees and visitors to comply with FDA safety standards.

Provides and assists with the development and training of new imaging specialists, residents, and general clinical employees.

Communicates with the manager to provide technical oversight and assign "in-training" personnel with tasks and assignments to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload utilizing the personnel to the greatest advantage thus providing the optimal level of patient care within the workday.

The incumbent is responsible for the quality assurance of the image and in the transmission to off-site locations.

Independently explains various procedures, including need for positioning, any alteration, in positioning, or revision of the testing due to patient limitations or conditions, monitoring equipment, or adverse reactions.

Work Schedule : Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases

Telework : Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.
• Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• 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.
• Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• 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 the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9

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.

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) , directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of 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.
  • Knowledge of techniques for gathering 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.
  • Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Preferred Experience: Prefer 3-5 years' experience in Cath/EP lab including EKG interpretation, hemodynamic monitoring, EP mapping/ultrasound, 3D mapping, and closure devices

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:

Additional information

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)

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)

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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