The position is in the Medical Imaging Department at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System where the incumbent performs a variety of routine and very difficult radiographic examinations and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedure. The incumbent operates equipment both mobile and fixed and assists the radiologist/physician in fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients.
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. 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).] English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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 employee. Grade Determinations GS-9: Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, DRTs at this level must have 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. The next lower level is GS-8. Employees at the GS-8 grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at the GS8 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. 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. a. * Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures; b. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. c. * Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure; d. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography; e. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions; and f. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS- 09. References: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.
VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional 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.] Duties include, but not limited to: Reviews request for appropriateness before performing exams. Incumbent uses appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, interviews the patient, reviews the patient chart or contacts the ordering clinician as needed for clarification. Receives patients and ensures proper identification. Provides patient education. Continually assesses the condition and the needs of the patients to ensure patient safety, comfort and privacy. Performs portable exams throughout this facility. Processes images by using (CR) Computer radiography, including specific exposure requirements, and digital postprocessing techniques to optimize image quality. Demonstrates fundamental knowledge of the DR network and interface with the VISTA imaging and PACs and contingency procedures for manually entering patient demographics and routing images. Performs the full spectrum of radiographic exams, including standard radiographs, gastrointestinal exams, genitourinary exams, arthrograms, myelograms and plain tomography. Utilizes textbooks and radiologist to perform exams requiring specialized or modified techniques. Ensure compliance with infection control standards and practices. Incumbent will display a cooperative attitude and will effectively work together to implement the organization's mission and goals. Employee participates in a manner that complies with their facilities GEMS and governing environmental policy, as well as Federal, state, and local statutory, regulatory, and other environmental requirements, including "Greening the Government" Eos. Incumbent will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible. Uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files. Incumbent will display consistently courteous, respectful, and cooperative in nature attitude with management, co-workers, patients and the public. Complies with all safety and radiation rules and regulations for safe job performance and fire protection. Incumbent attends scheduled mandatory and non-mandatory training sessions and participates in safety promotions. Supports maintenance of inventory supplies, ensuring that outdated, damaged or otherwise unusable items are discarded. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:30 am- 5:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 70200F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized