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: 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). NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.
- English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
GRADE DETERMINATIONS: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:
Experience GS 11: Have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 10) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical and administrative competencies needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory diagnostic radiologic technologist, or an assistant chief radiologic technologist. The incumbent functions as section supervisor for a group of advanced DRTs at the GS-10 level and below, which may include support staff. The incumbent evaluates new products and equipment and makes recommendations to the supervisor concerning upgrades/new purchases that would improve operations. The incumbent develops and maintains protocol manuals for procedures performed in the section. The incumbent is responsible for implementation and adherence to all safety practices and policies for the section. The incumbent directs the development and implementation of services and treatment to patients through the supervision, mentoring, and oversight of assigned clinical staff. Experience must demonstrate practice skills in a specialty area or in administration demonstrating progressively more professional competency and judgment.
The candidate must demonstrate the experience above as well as the following technical KSAs:
i. Ability to analyze organizational, technical, and administrative problems and to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient section operation.
ii. Ability to analyze and use data effectively to manage section workload, quality, performance, and productivity.
iii. Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.
iv. Ability to supervise technologists performing a wide variety of difficult radiographic exams (CT, MRI, Special Procedures, Mammography, Ultrasound).
v. Ability to interview and evaluate candidates for positions, evaluate subordinate performance, recommend appointments, advancements, or recommend or take appropriate disciplinary actions.
vi. Skill in participating in organizational facility initiatives, workgroups, and/or committees.
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.
References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25
Physical Requirements: Light to Moderate Lifting and carrying, up to 44 pounds; straight pulling; pushing; reaching at and above shoulders; use of both hands, inclusive of fingers required; walking and/or standing 6-8 hours; crawling; kneeling; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.
Physical Environment: Outpatient Clinic / Inpatient setting. Standard: the size and layout of the facility must be adequate to allow for patient comfort, privacy, and special needs as well as fostering appropriate work flow. This includes areas for imaging exams, control rooms, processing, image interpretation, patient changing, recovery/post-procedural care, waiting, administration, storage, record filing, medical physics services, engineering services, and staff.