Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists (CT) assist Radiologist in the performance of digital radiography and computerized tomography, independently determines CT technical factors, sets controls and operates the equipment ensuring that the designated portion of the patient's body receives the correct exposure even for the most difficult radiographic examinations. 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. 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. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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).] English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations: (GS-09): Specialized Experience: Have 1 (one) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08) directly related to the position to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced CT/DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. A CT/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. Registered by the American Registered Radiology Technologist (ARRT) in Radiology (R) and Registered (CT). In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs: designated by an asterisk: *a. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. b. Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. *c. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. d. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. e. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions; and f. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. (This experience must be fully detailed in your resume.) May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). 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 employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:(1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.(2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.(3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.(4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.(5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT.NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 29, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 15 days after initial opening date with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st AND 15th of each month, referrals will be contingent on the availability of vacant positions). Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals OR as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Proficiently manipulates image data, utilizes multi-slice technology, generates diagnostic CTA, 3D and multi-planar exams for interpretation. Performs CT guided biopsy procedures. Performs DT myelography of the spine when required. Prepares oral and IV contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography and other exams. Obtain I.V. consents on all patients as required and provide instruction to Metformin patients, in consultation with radiology faculty as required. Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Properly identifies patient images. Explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur because of the exam. Work Schedule: Thursday and Friday - 8:00am - 4:00pm, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00pm - 12:00am, on-call Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F00639 Recruitment (group) Incentives: Authorized Relocation Incentive: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.