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This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more 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, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT). 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. 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). Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field 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). Grade Determinations: 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. 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. 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. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), magnetic resonance imaging (MR). General Radiologic Technology (R). 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. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS). 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 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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. 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: 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 (*): 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. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA HANDBOOOK 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Northport VAMC is announcing one Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)(R)(CT) vacancy.\nThe DRT technologist duties are but not limited to:\nPerforms general radiology, operating room, and fluoroscopy exams. These exams maybe performed with contrast media to enhance images. He/she reviews the requisition with the radiologist or supervising physician to achieve the appropriate images for the clinical history required. Must have a good knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determine proper and safe positioning to best demonstrate area of interest and is required to determine the physical condition, needs and capabilities of the patient and to tailor exams to the patient's symptomology, age, limitations and possible differentials common to that age group.\nConfers with the radiologist to determine requirements of non-standard exams and determines technical factors, positioning, and protocols. Has knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results to the extent needed.\nPerforms operating room fluoroscopy for multiple procedures.\nPerforms exams as required utilizing surgical sterile precautions and ensures that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient.\nPrepares contrast material that are used in the Operating Room and for fluoroscopic examinations and must be competent to monitor the patient during the administration of contrast to prevent contamination and recognize contrast reactions and access site extravasations. Has the ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist or supervising physician informed.\nMust immediately alert the Radiologist during normal work hours to any reactions the patient may experience during the administration of contrast. The monitoring physician that is required to be present in the procedure room during non-business hours will be immediately alerted to any reactions the patient may experience during administration of contrast.\nThe 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.\nPerforms quality control duties as assigned.\nIs familiar with National Patient Safety Goals (NSPG) and practices based on ALARA (As Low as Reasonably Achievable). Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self and utilizes low dose protocols when appropriate.\nIs required to utilize the Digital Radiography and PACs system and monitor the PACS exception list for image upload failure. Is also required to upload images on tele radiology portals, when directed to do so.\nHas administrative accountability for supplies needed to perform all radiology procedures in his/her area anticipating needs for supplies and provides for them well in advance. If an image guided procedure is performed in the CT, Ultrasound or Fluoroscopy suites, the incumbent is required to be aware of equipment, device and contrast needs that the procedure team will require. Is responsible for the equipment and suite cleanliness, as assigned by the supervisor.\nMakes minor equipment adjustments and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Has ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines\nChecks equipment for proper functions prior to performing procedures and is responsible for the state of equipment at all times. Technologist must report equipment malfunctions and inspection expiry in a timely manner to his/her Supervisor. Has knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to adjust as needed.\nDemonstrates skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Contact VISN2EDRPCoordinators@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]