Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (PACS)

The Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Technologist is responsible for the management, maintenance, and support of the PACS, Voice Recognition System, Computer-Aided Detection (CAD), all imaging-related Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, imaging-related health informatics, the importing and exporting of all medical imaging data, and the Radiology package in the Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA) at VA St. Louis Healthcare System. 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. 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. 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). 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. Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Loss of Credential An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. Grade Determinations Diagnostic Radiologic (PACS) Technologist, GS-11 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 needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory radiologic technologist, PACS technologist, clinical program director, or an assistant chief radiologic technologist. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of contingency plans during equipment downtimes. Ability to act as liaison for Radiology with biomedical engineering and OI&T. Ability to develop methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems. Ability to lead a team of multidisciplinary members in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements. Ability to perform complex system administrator functions. #J-18808-Ljbffr PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein)