Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization. Specialized areas of radiologic technology for this position include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), and computed tomography (CT).
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 Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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) is required. NOTE: A transcript from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions must be submitted with your application. 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. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your certification(s) with your application. 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). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. GRADE REQUIREMENTS Grade Determinations for Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 The following is used to determine the grade requirements for an Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at the GS-10 grade level. Experience: Candidates must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the following clinical competencies 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. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology for this position include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), and computed tomography (CT). 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 interrelationship 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.] Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. *** QUALIFICATIONS CONTINUED IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ***
The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) incumbent working in this special assignment may function as a General Radiologic Technology (R) and/or Computed Tomography (CT) DRT. Duties may include but are not limited to: Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality, utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Technologist works under the supervision of the Section Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist and rotates all responsibilities within the CT and General Radiology section. He/she works independently on most exams and will confers with Radiologists and Section Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist on more difficult problems. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives. Performs all aspects of CT imaging by standardized protocols as directed by the radiologist to include: Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis Extremities, 3D Reconstructions of CT, Multi-Planar Reformats CT and Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure. Performs all aspects of CT Interventional Radiography, including Biopsies, RF Ablations, Abscess drainages, cyst aspirations, etc.. Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis, Carotids, Abdominal Aortas, Run-Off's, and CT Myelography utilizing specialized series to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. The radiographic goal of CT is to provide high quality axial imaging; generate the best possible images at the minimal radiation dose necessary to the patient. Technologist will operate all radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment; perform all types of radiographic, tomographic and fluoroscopic procedures. Works closely with the professional staff involved in radiographic and fluoroscopic examinations. Technologist will independently perform examinations of the head, entire spine, chest, abdomen, and extremities, using direct radiography (DR). All examinations are processed digitally. This work includes computer manipulation (window/level), correct orientation of the images (hanging protocol), patient acquisition through work list and releasing images to storage system (PACS) and burning of images to CD. Knowledge of procedures and protocols results in accurate and properly processed radiographs. 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. Technologist will rotate into different computed tomography and radiography rooms to maintain knowledge of all procedures and equipment. Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service Contrast Policy for guidelines on Administration of Contrast Media. The technologist is trained in the proper use of I-stat and power injectors. Technologist acquires and maintains knowledge in CT dose optimization and the factors that directly affect radiation dose from the CT scanner to the patient. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent, and routine exams. Work Schedule: See available shifts below Monday - Friday, 12:00 pm - 8:30 pm Tuesday & Wednesday - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm -AND- Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 3:30 pm - 12:00 am Recruitment Incentive (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 #: PD41630F Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional