Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - CT

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. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-05; 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: As a basic requirement, you 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.] (Documentation must be provided) Education: Have you completed a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's 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)? Applicants must submit a copy of transcripts SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-6 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-5) grade level? Experience includes performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature explaining exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards troubleshooting equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment reporting major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives, and assisting higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure Knowledge of anatomy and positioning GS- 7 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-6) grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level? Successfully completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging or successful completion of an advanced registry program with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled Experience includes performing a substantially full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard or fluoroscopic procedures GS-8 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-7) grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level? Experience includes providing services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed GS-09: Level: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-08 level 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 In addition, 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.* GS-10: Level: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 level Computed Tomography (CT) This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination to interpret the examination request accurately to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. ]]]]>