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:
Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3g.
English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d), and 7407 (d).
Certification: All applicants must be certified in Advanced Radiology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology ARRT (R). 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 duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).
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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 5, 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.
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).
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).
GRADE DETERMINATIONS: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8 (Full Performance Level):
- Experience or Education. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate ALL the following KSAs:
- (1) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines;
- (2) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed;
- (3) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results;
- (4) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed;
- (5) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; and
- (6) 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.
Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling (1 hour); Pushing (1-2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid may be permitted).
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.