Career Center

**Current, permanent VA employees, and Federal employees from other agency should apply under CBST-11494943-22-DL.** The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) provides support and services in Diagnostic Radiology to both inpatients and outpatients under the direction of a physician. 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. 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. English Language Proficiency: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist appointed to direct patient care positions 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 (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-08: In addition to the basic requirements for employment as listed above, applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level independently providing radiologic 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, candidates must demonstrate all of the following technical 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. Preferred Experience: ARRT registration Technologist must have basic computer skills, knowledge of medical terminology and customer service skills to properly interact with patients, co-workers and other customers. References: VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, GS-647, dated December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: Work requires physical exertion such as periods of standing (up to 7 hours), walking (up to 7 hours), repeated bending (.5 hours), straight pulling (.5 hours), pushing (.5 hours), use of fingers, both hands required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, reaching above the shoulder, moderate carrying (15 - 44 pounds), heavy lifting (45 pounds and over). Ability to read printed material without strain (glasses permitted), both eyes required, ability to distinguish basic colors. Mental and emotional stability. Ability to hear conversational voice (aid may be permitted). Environmental Factors: Working around machinery with moving parts, protracted or irregular hours, radiant energy, working closely with others. ["Duties include, but are not limited to: Operates digital radiography (DR), conventional radiography and fluoroscopy equipment with accuracy in producing optimal imaging examinations. Adjusts technical factors to optimize image quality. Responsible for diagnostic quality of images produced; Provides patient education about procedures, gives directions, and answering questions, if any; Performs screening process for the safe application of contrast administration, obtaining informed consent as criteria mandate. Obtains applicable lab values prior to contrast administration; Documents appropriately, in the patient record, the accurate events regarding treatment of the Veteran during procedures; Ensures ALARA principle is applied. (As low as reasonably achievable). Shields all patients when possible; Selects and sets technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations; As a team member with a radiologist, perfo1ms procedures such as IVP. urethrograms, G.I. series. modified barium swallow, and barium and air contrast barium enemas; Sets up the X-ray room. Assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics. contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out; Schedules patients for examinations. Registers patients for examinations and updates status as necessary. Performs clerical duties as they relate to patient care within the section; Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the head of the unit adoption of chose which would improve the operations of the radiology section; Cleans and sterilizes equipment and area after use. Performs routine maintenance and recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to ensure repair; Performs picture archival (PACS) duties. The technologist 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. Work Schedule: Overnight weekend shift (8:00 pm - 8:00 am) with an additional 8 hour shift during the week\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 629-00223-F\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]