Summary

This position is located within the Diagnostic Imaging service - Hampton VA VAMC. Independently performs diagnostic radiography and CT procedures in order to achieve proper diagnosis and treatment. Schedules patients for examinations - evaluate the nature of critical and emergency procedures - and rearranges patient schedule to accommodate these procedures.

Qualifications

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)
• 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: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Grade Determinations: GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - CT In addition to the basic requirements - the following is required
• Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Certification
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT)
• KSAs
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and walking
• There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles such as film cassettes for rapid film changers
• Patients sometimes are assisted to achieve proper positioning which may require reaching or work in strained positions
• The work area is well lighted - heated - and ventilated
• Special safety precautions are required to reduce exposure to x-rays
• These include using minimum current settings in the x-ray machine and never operating the machine except from behind a protective screen or when wearing protective clothing such as a lead apron.

Duties

• Duties include - but not limited to: Perform diagnostic radiography examinations of head - neck - chest - abdomen - pelvis - spine - and extremities
• These exams are performed with and/or without the use of IV or oral contrast materials
• Perform technical work in support of diagnostic radiography under the direction of a physician - including complex radiographic examinations such as UGI - BE - and Arthrograms
• The examinations involve different processes and methods and require performance of a variety of duties
• Operate radiology equipment to determine technical factors (i.e
• calculates the correct exposure factors of time - distance - kilovoltage - and milliamperage) - set controls and operate equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure
• Sets up and adjusts accessary equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures
• Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams
• Determines technical factors - positioning - number - and thickness of scans - etc. - to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning
• Schedules patients for examinations
• Calls patients to coordinate examination date/time and to educate them regarding necessary examination preparations
• Performs neuroangiography - including spine - head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy - pressure injectors - parallelogram biplane imaging - patient monitors - etc
• Performs CT peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities
• Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team
• Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam
• Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT and other exams
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and - therefore - it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• Performs reconstructions of CT when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• Other duties assigned
• Work Schedule: Wed-Sat
• 0700-1730 rotating holidays - weekends - evenings
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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
• 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 #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized