Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist- General/X-Ray

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.

01Basic 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: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d), and 7407 (d).

02Education

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).

03Certification

Must be certified in Advanced Radiology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology ARRT (R). 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).

04Grade Determinations

In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-6: Experience For information only : Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level OR the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging.

Qualifying experience would be at the basic level operating and monitoring commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision, functioning somewhat independently in carrying out standardized procedures of limited complexity, and would refer to the supervisor for deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-7: Experience : Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level (for a total of 2 years of DRT experience) 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.

Qualifying experience would include 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 to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. Knowledge of PACS, and basic computer skills. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-8: Experience: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level (for a total of 3 years of DRT experience explained above).

Qualifying experience would include independently performing a substantially full range of duties but receive occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues and providing services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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, Part II, Appendix G25. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-06 to GS-08.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

05Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties include, but are not limited to: Receives requests or instructions for procedures. Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations. Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians. Incumbent explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions.

Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures. Incumbent determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilo voltage, and mill amperage), sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Sets up the X-ray room. Incumbent Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries.

Work is spot checked for achievement of objectives. Maintains supplies, cleans, and sanitizes equipment and area after use. Performs routine maintenance and recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to ensure repair. Incumbent captures computerized radiographs, applies an algorithm, configures the image, and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. This procedure requires the technologist to have a general knowledge of computer operations.

Image manipulation and transmission is critical in computerized radiography, lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the radiograph. Incumbent will be required to provide coverage across campuses as needed to provide patient care. Under assignment by the chief technologist, the incumbent will be expected to work over-time if required to complete non mandatory training (new equipment applications training, as well as equipment competency training).

Incumbent is required to cover the operating room, emergency room, portables and intensive care units. As a team member with a radiologist, performs radiology procedures utilizing sterile techniques. Incumbent assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out if required. Registers patients for examinations and updates status as necessary.

Performs clerical and file room duties such as scheduling and registration of examinations as they relate to patient care within the section. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am to 4:30pm Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 80173F, 81814F, 81815F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized