Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. Award amounts (up to $200,000) and eligibility periods (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the application. 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. 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). 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, has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty, and has passed the designated examination. In modalities that require advanced certification, if a technologist does not possess an advanced certification, on‑the‑job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist may be provided to support continued development. Education. Completion of a full‑time training course of at least 24 months 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 other recognized accrediting agencies. NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision 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. Experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with current radiologic technology practice, evidenced by at least one year of active practice. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements. Part‑Time Experience. Part‑time experience is creditable according to its relationship to the full‑time workweek (e.g., one week of full‑time credit for each two weeks of half‑time work). Grade Determinations (Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist – GS‑9) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position, demonstrating the required clinical competencies. Assignments. For assignments above the full performance level, the higher‑level duties must comprise significant scope, complexity, and range of variety, performed by the incumbent at least 25 % of the time. Technical KSAs. The candidate must demonstrate the following and have potential to acquire assignment‑specific KSAs: a) Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while performing complex scans and procedures. b) Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and healthcare providers. c) Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate a procedure. d) Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. e) Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods, and universal precautions. f) Knowledge of pre‑procedural, procedural, and post‑procedural care of patients. Preferred experience: At least three years of clinical experience, excluding the clinical training while completing the Radiologic Technologist Program. Ability to assist the radiologist in performing fluoroscopic procedures independently. Ability to operate a C‑arm and portable units independently. The vacancy is above the full performance GS‑9. Reference: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II – Appendix G25. For more information on this qualification standard, visit Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), moderate carrying (15‑44 pounds) – pushing up to 4 hours, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers – good dexterity (both hands required), prolonged standing, repeated bending, stooping, walking, pushing or pulling with or without assistance from another patient‑care provider, rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, color discrimination, good hearing (aid permitted), good vision, speed in working and emotional stability, and ability to wear personal protective equipment and an apron for long periods of time. Duties VA Careers – Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional DRTs perform at full performance. Perform specialized and general radiologic technology services with minimal supervision. Prepare contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for exams requiring injectable solutions such as cystograms, cholangiograms, and oral/rectal GI tract exams. Obtain patient consent when indicated for injected media. Handle needles, syringes, contrast media (eg., Isovue, Omnipaque, gastrografin, barium, enema bags) and be aware of side effects and adverse reactions. Maintain effective control of the radiology department through coordination, organization, and execution of workflow patterns. Perform all diagnostic procedures, including administrative duties. Validate images before transmitting them to VistA/VUE Explorer for interpretation. Keep abreast of technological advances in radiology. Complete required educational classes and maintain ongoing continuing education units (CEUs) to sustain active ARRT status. Maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and complete all required TMS courses timely. Maximize efficiency by performing exams without compromising quality of patient care. Collaborate with other areas of the radiology department and the facility to expedite quality patient care. Perform high‑volume diagnostic procedures, including outpatients, inpatients, C‑arm OR fluoroscopic procedures, and portable exams. Explain exam procedures to patients in clear terms and discuss potential hazards. Recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary. Identify patients correctly, using two identifiers before starting any exam. Label images with right or left markers to prevent misidentification. Practice radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self, using lead aprons, gloves, shields, lead‑lined walls, collimation, and distance management. Wear film badges to assure compliance with radiation regulations and guidelines. Handle and safeguard radiation equipment with extreme caution. Report major equipment malfunctions promptly. Interact with patients appropriately, considering age, physical, and emotional condition. Answer exam questions to reduce patient anxiety. Demonstrate courtesy and respect to patients, family, and coworkers. Receive and interpret radiology requests. Input relevant radiology information into computers. Perform routine calibrations on equipment. Participate in annual training on reusable medical device (RMD) setup, use, re‑processing, and maintenance. Set up RMD promptly according to SOP. Assist staff in training rotating X‑ray students, technologists, and volunteers. Document fluoroscopy dose in VISTA, dose log books, and enter fluoroscopy education notes in CPRS. All other duties as assigned. Work schedule: Monday‑Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; 7:30 am to 4:00 pm when assigned to surgery rotation; required to rotate weekends and holidays. Position is not virtual. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs