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: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d), and 7407 (d).
Education-Transcripts Submitted: 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).
Certification-Documentation Supplied: Must be certified in
Advanced Radiology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology ARRT (R).
Grandfathering Provision. 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).
Grade Determinations:
Diagnostic Radiologic Technician GS-5
In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:
- Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
- Assignment. DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular 7 procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area. Such duties are performed under closer supervision.
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-6
Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) 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.
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. (KSAs).
- Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
- Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
- Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
- Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
- Ability to learn basic computer functions.
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-7
Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6) 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.
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs
- 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-
8
Experience:
Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level (for a total of 3 years of DRT experience). Qualifying experience would include independently performing a substantially full range of duties but receive occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues and providing services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services.
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.
- 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.
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 - 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. The physical demands of the work include: 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. Additional details may be found in VA Directive and Handbook 5019.