Career Center

Technologist at this level are required to complete a training period where the policies, protocol, and procedures of North Florida/South Georgia VA Heath System and the specific assigned duty station/clinic are introduced. The incumbent will be exposed to the different aspects and rotations within computed tomography. The incumbent may also be required to work a variety of tour shifts gaining the experience and exposure to different simulations that he/she may not encounter on normal tour. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/25/2022 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 (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. Did you upload a copy of your ARRT(CT) certification? Education. Completion of 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). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For more information, see VA Handbook 5005, part II, Appendix G25. Note: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. Preferred Experience: Knowledge of Electronic Health Records. Possess basic knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or multi-slice computed tomography. Grade Determinations: a. 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 1 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 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work. b. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), interventional radiologic technology (IR), quality management (QM), picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor. Assignment: 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 and CT certification. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 (a) 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. (b) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: 1. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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 (*): *1. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. 2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. *3. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. 4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography; 5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions; 6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is only at the GS-9 level. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is only at the GS-9 level. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (up to 45 pounds), Light carrying (under 15 pounds), Pushing, Reaching above shoulder, Walking (up to 2 hours), Standing (up to 2 hours), Kneeling (up to 1 hour), Both legs required, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Specific visual requirements of good distance vision and ability to read normal text without strain (glasses permitted), Hearing (aid permitted), Use of fingers, Both hands required. ["At full performance level, the incumbent performs Computed Tomography procedures and examinations, with and without the use of contrast materials, to achieve diagnostic studies to assist Radiologist to establish diagnosis and treatment. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest and body. Performs routine radiographic exams. Performs a spectrum advanced imaging examinations. The type of examinations performed includes cardiac angiography, brain perfusions, and virtual colonography. The technologist will perform technical work in support of Diagnostic Imaging under the direction of a physician. Operates all computed tomography equipment, and assists the radiologist in biopsy, drainage, microwave ablation, and peripheral vascular procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Performs peripheral and visceral CT Angiography of the neurological, cardiovascular, abdominal systems and extremities. These angiographic studies include cerebral, renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. Performs retrospective reformatted images of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Maintains proficiency on 3D reconstruction techniques. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all CT and angiography supplies and related materials. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography and other exams. Potential Rotations to different locations within NF/SG Diagnostic Imaging Service. Subject to Call-back status. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nPCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]