Location: West Roxbury, Massachusetts, Massachusetts
Salary: Open
Categories:
Allied Health
Internal Number: 798444000
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. Program 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. 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. English Language: 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), 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).] Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates: Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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-5: None beyond basic requirements. GS-6: Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions. GS-7: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that 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; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. 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 all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. (c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. (d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. GS-8: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. (f) 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.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019. ["This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist position is in Diagnostic Imaging services at the Boston VA Medical Center, West Roxbury, MA campus. This position is a full-time at 40 hours per week. Duties include but, are not limited to: Receives Requests or instructions for procedures. Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical house officer. Prioritizes requisitions as to room availability, stat calls from intensive care units, emergency room and operating room. Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physician. Technologist may need to seek assistance of a supervisor or radiologist as to appropriateness of exam, or if unique, modified or new procedure is required. Performs procedures in the main and outpatient departments such as: GI Suite: Cholangiography, UGI, Barium Enema, ERCP's, diaphragmatic stability fluoroscopy, myelography, arthrography and lumbar puncture. Urology Suite: Retrogrades, cystograms, urethrocystograms Scoliosis series and Long length bone radiography Trauma radiography Routine Radiology including skull, spine, chest, torso, extremity imaging Portable radiography - chest, abdomen, extremity in the intensive care units (SICU, MICU, CCU, PACU, ER, OR, Spinal Cord, and general wards) Operating Room Radiography Neurosurgery imaging: spines, facet blocks Orthopedic imaging - hips, knees, extremities Fluoroscopy guided procedures: stent grafts, pacer placement, porta-cath and tunnel lines Vascular angiography, subtraction, road mapping, bi-plane fluoroscopy. With guidance of a senior technologist or lead. Work Schedule:12:00am to 8:00am, Monday through Friday; This position includes WHEN hours on a rotational basis, as staffing needs permit. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available. Telework: Not Available.Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement: F1175/F1174/F1173/F1172 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. EDRP: Authorized - Contact Karen Chapman karen.chapman@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions or assistance on how to begin the application process. Learn more. NOTIFICATIONS: This is a Bargaining Unit position. This position is in the Excepted Service. This position is covered by a special rate. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees. You may be required to travel to other Boston Campuses."]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.