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Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists (DRTs) perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. 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. (NOTE: This applies to the past, current, and upcoming VA Health Professional Trainees (HPT) only. HPT is an individual appointed to temporary positions in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experiences to satisfy program or degree requirements or receiving VA Health Professional Scholarship Program. HPTs can be either VA-paid or Without Compensation (WOC). 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 [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable]. (COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED: If you do not submit a copy of the certification, your application may not be reviewed.) 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).](UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED: If you do not submit your transcript, your application may not be reviewed.) English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Policy. 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. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements of employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Creditable Experience: 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. 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. GS-05 DRT (Entry Level) - Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-06 DRT (Developmental Level) - Experience or Education: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. Ability to learn basic computer functions. GS-07 DRT (Advanced Developmental Level) - Experience or Education: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level or the successful completion of 1 full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Employees at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs, performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards. They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. 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. Knowledge of the function of computed radiography, Phosphor cassettes and CR readers. Knowledge of PACS, and basic computer skills. GS-08 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) (Full Performance Level) Experience: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience at this grade level serves as staff DRTs at the full performance level. DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard dated December 13, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. NOTE: See educational section below for physical requirements of this occupation. ["Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists (DRT's) perform all examinations in general radiology from routine to complex. Computed radiography and digital imaging are used to capture and process images. Performs DEXA (Duel energy X-ray Absorptiometry) bone density exams of spine, femur and extremities. Images are release through the picture archiving system (PACS) to the Radiologist for medical diagnosis and interpretation by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Assists Radiologists during fluoroscopic examinations. Performs fluoroscopic imaging during examinations conducted by other providers. Employs knowledge of anatomy, physiology and cross-sectional anatomy to ensure quality and accuracy of examinations. Assures compliance with radiation regulations for all staff including the wearing of film badges. Knowledge and ability to recognize unusual images to determine proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Monitors the patient's physiology during the procedure and keeps the Radiologist informed. Has a vast knowledge of anatomy and physiology and cross-sectional anatomy, with the ability to recognize unusual images and determines proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist for examinations requiring injectable solutions such as cystogram, arthrography and barium suspensions for the purpose of performing upper and lower exams of the GI tract. Advises Radiologists, participating providers or referring physicians of examination results and notifies them of examinations requiring their immediate attention. Practices radiation safety using principles of ALARA, reducing exposure to patient, staff and self. Performs imaging using direct radiography and computed radiography with the images processed digitally with the ability to adjust the image quality. Registers patient procedures in the VISTA system and verifies with the patient the orders are accurate. Explains exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done and what, if any, are potential adverse effects may occur. Performs bone densitometry examinations utilizing the DEXA scanner. Work Schedule: Various tours available Monday - Sunday. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS#00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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