Career Center

The incumbent serves as a Diagnostic Radiology Technologist for Imaging Service at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center. In this position the incumbent will perform routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures, CT exams used for medical diagnosis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. 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.] . NOTE: ARRT Computed Tomography certification is what is required for this position. Proof of this must be provided at the time of application. 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 schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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 to the basic requirements, the following Grade Determinations must be met for the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 which includes, Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-8, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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. For Creditable Experience the experience must meet the below, (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 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 : 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09, which is the actual grade at which this vacancy will be filled. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II, Appendix G25 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["This position is located in Imaging service, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, a complexity Level 1b facility as defined by the 2017 VHA Facility Complexity Report. The incumbent serves as a Diagnostic Radiology Technologist for Imaging Service at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center. In this position the incumbent will perform routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures used for medical diagnosis. Duties includes but not limited to: -Performs all routine and complex radiographic procedures. These exams are achieved using diagnostic digital X-Ray equipment such as: DR Radiographic, DR Fluoroscopic, and DR Chest Radiographic units.\n-Operates equipment for the purpose of providing radiographic examinations for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.\n- These examinations are performed with or without enteric contrast material.\n- Coverage is provided 24 hours, 7 days a week. The incumbent is expected to provide various tour coverage including weekends and holidays.\n- Receives and interprets request, or instructions for procedures.\n- Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams of the upper and lower GI tract.\n- Identifies the patient and the image. Uses right and left markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical.\n- Obtains the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures\n- Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done.\n- Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x- rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures upon request, operates the digital fluoro unit in the Operating Room.\n- Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. The technicians, to assure compliance with radiation regulations, wear film badges. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.\n- Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface. Understands the principals of the use of CR and PACS. Uses these electronic methods to complete procedures, assign accurate patient information to studies then electronically send images for interpretation. Incumbent must attain and maintain BCLS (basic cardiac life support) certification from accredited society as per local policy- Incumbent must possess knowledge of sterile technique which includes medical asepsis and surgical asepsis.\n- (As on June 26, 2014 any DRT hired and performing CT exams must have an advance CT AART certificate).\n- Incumbent must be able to perform a variety of routine and complex CT (Computerized Tomography) exams including routine, vascular (cardiac and non-cardiac), musculoskeletal and neuroradiologic.\n- Incumbent must be familiar with the loading, programming and use of automated power injectors.\n- Incumbent must be familiar with identifying and initiating treatment for extravasation of IV contrast.\n- Incumbent must be familiar with the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to intravenous iodinated contrast and immediately inform medical staff in the area including nurse and/or physician, and if necessary, activate emergency code and initiate CPR.\n- Incumbent must have competency to perform two additional special procedures other than CT (special/interventional procedures, bone densitometry). - Incumbent spends roughly 50% of time performing general radiology, 25% of time performing CT exams, and 25% of time in other (bone densitometry, special/interventional procedures). Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 12am-8:00am with Rotation and On Call\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 24383F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]