Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography

Summary

The Fargo VA Health Care System is recruiting for 1 full-time Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography for the Diagnostic Imaging service line.

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Duties

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VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist:

This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Computed Tomography (CT), position is assigned to the Fargo VA Health Care System Imaging Service/Computed Tomography department. FHCS is a level two complexity level, providing research, servicing ten CBOC's, emergency department and in-patient facility. The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Computed Tomography Technologist, employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and can carry out the assigned tasks independently. This specialty modality requires specific knowledgeable of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography and peripheral vascular examinations. This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Computed Tomography (CT), position is assigned to the Fargo VA Health care system, Radiology Service; Computed Tomography section. The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Computed Tomography Technologist, employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and can carry out the assigned tasks independently. This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification in Computed Tomography (CT).

Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties:

• 25% complex CT/CTA exams, 25% complex Radiology exams, 50% other Radiology/Dexa/CT exams as assigned
• BLS Certification is maintained on a bi-annual basis and always complies.
• Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality, utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes.
• Technologist works under the supervision of the Section Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist and rotates all responsibilities within the CT section. He/she works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and Section Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist on more difficult problems. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives.
• Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination, and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases.
• Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include: Head, Sinus, Maxofacial, Orbits, Temporal bones, TMJ, Neck, CT enterography, CT urography, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis Extremities, soft tissue, and Multi-Planar Reformats CT and Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure. Performs CT Angiography: Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis, Cerebral venous thrombosis, Carotids, Chest, Brachia! plexus, Abdominal Aortas, Run-Off's, Renal arteries, Mesenteric Arteries, CT Cardiac Imaging, Cardiac scoring and CT Myelography utilizing specialized series to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. The radiographic goal of CT is to provide high quality axial imaging; generate the best possible images at the minimal radiation dose necessary to the patient.
• Performs fluoroscopy in surgery environment. These procedures are performed in the operating room under aseptic techniques. The purpose of these exams is to provide diagnostic services in supporting the surgery team.
• Performs complex diagnostic and portable radiographic examinations within the facility for in- patients and the emergency department. These complex exams include x-rays for location of foreign bodies, trauma radiography, stroke protocol, and heart ischemia protocol. This includes inter-articular joint injections, and complex orthopedic surgery cases, vascular surgery cases.

Work Schedule : Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., rotating holidays and call

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases

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)

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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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). 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).
• 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 :

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 one 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 one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work.

GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

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, which is defined as:Checking system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; Working knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed; Working knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; Monitoring patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; Using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; Working knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

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 all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.

ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.

iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.

iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.

v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.

vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for 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

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

This is an open continuous announcement. Applicants in USA Staffing will be qualified based on the resume submitted and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager every 1-2 weeks until the announcement is closed, cancelled, or filled.

Receiving Service Credit for 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.

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.

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.

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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