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.
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 GS 10:
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.
Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:
i. Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues and instruct users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems.
ii. Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control.
iii. Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors.
iv. Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality.
v. Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system.
vi. Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation.
Preferred Experience: The incumbent should have experience evaluating, monitoring, and continuously improving various imaging
informatics workflows within the Imaging Service line including, but not limited to, Quality Management of a commercial PACS System, voice recognition (VR) system, Imaging interfaces (RIS) with respect to Radiology image dataflow, Radiation dose information retrieval
and dissemination, digital image acquisition and storage (all modalities) processes in a Health Care System. The incumbent should have a strong working knowledge of Imaging radiography equipment and how it interacts with the Imaging Informatics systems. The incumbent should have at least 1 year experience performing 3D reconstructions, not limited to the heart, vascular and musculoskeletal systems on independent work station.
Incumbent can demonstrate knowledge and skills working with multiple operating systems, including PACs VISTA or Cerner and independent
3D workstation. The incumbent uses initiative in solving problems with connectivity, image transfer and Imaging IT systems. The incumbent must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
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 10.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.