Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Qualifications 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 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) Creditable Experience: 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 one year of active practice, which is paid or non paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT Quality of Experience Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination 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 one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work Grade Determinations: GS-8 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level, which is defined as: Working knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system Working knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study Working knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures Working knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems Working knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest Assignments Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues Preferred Experience: CT, Dexa experience preferred Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-8. 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. ]]]]>