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.
- 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).
- 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.
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:
Experience:
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.
Experience at the GS-8 level may include:
- 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
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's)
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA's:
- 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
Preferred Experience:
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is 9.
Physical Requirements: The incumbent will be required to perform heavy lifting,45 pounds or over, and moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds. The work requires pushing and reaching above shoulder. The technologist will be needed to stand, walk and bend. Heavy lifting of totally incapacitated patient is done only with the help of others using approved patient lifting equipment.