Diagnostic Radiologic Tech

Summary

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.

Qualifications

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
• 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
• NOTE: 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
• 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)
• NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Experience
• Must have at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Employees at this grade level serve as staff Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRTs) at the full performance level
• Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues
• AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 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 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 Physical Requirements: Light to Moderate lifting and carrying, up to 44 pounds; straight pulling; pushing; reaching at and above shoulders; use of both hands and fingers required; walking and/or standing (6-8hours); crawling; kneeling; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.

Duties

"This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) position is in Radiology Services at the Togus Maine VA Medical Center, located at the Togus, Maine location.
This position is a full-time at 40 hours per week.
The purpose of this position is to serve as a DRT and perform routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures.
These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, the chest unit and general diagnostic units.Duties include, but are not limited to: Assists Radiologists during fluoroscopic examinations.
Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist for examinations requiringinjectable solutions such as cystogram, arthrography and barium suspensions for the purpose of performing upper and lower exams of the GI tract.
Advises Radiologists, participating providers or referring physicians of examination results and notifies them of examinations requiring their immediate attention.
Practices radiation safety using principles of ALARA, reducing exposure to patient, staff and self.
Performs imaging using direct radiography and computed radiography with the images processed digitally.
Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients.
Ensure knowledge of the patient's clinical record, diagnosis and laboratory results, when applicable.
Monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or summon emergency response team.
Trains students in radiographic technique including positioning, exposure factors, patient identification, and environmental factors which result in optimal imaging and meet the needs of the students during their rotation at this facility.
Performs portable radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures.
Performs bone densitometry examinations utilizing the Hologic DEXA scanner.
Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in all assigned areas.
Knowledgeable in basic procedures in patient reception and CD burning processes, providing basic coverage for these areas when necessary.
Technologist must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees.
Examines equipment for calibration and adjusts as needed.
Work in several areas within the Radiology Service, ensuring timely service throughout Radiology Service.
Other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Full Time variable shifts Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: F03189 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Available EDRP Authorized: Contact Hannah Nielson at Hannah.Nielson@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Notification: This position is in the Excepted Service.
This position is in an AFGE Bargaining Unit position.
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action).
The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted).
In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.
THIS OPEN & CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT (OCA) ESTABLISHES A STANDING REGISTER OF ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS, which closes on July 19, 2024.
The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 02/12/2024 with subsequent reviews every other week as additional vacancies occur, or on an as-needed basis, until positions are filled.
Please see the \"What To Expect Next\" area of the announcement which provides additional information on the referral process for this type of announcement."