Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Description:

This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist position is located in the Diagnostic Imaging department within the Manchester VA Healthcare systems. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week.

Requirements:

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: Must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• 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).
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English.

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).

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.

Grade Determinations : In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technician, GS-0647-05

1. Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647-06

1. Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) 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.

• Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment
• Ability to learn basic computer functions.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647-07

1. Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06) 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.

• Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
• 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.
• Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
• Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647-08

1. Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

• 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 G25The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 05 to GS 08.

Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019.