Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Radiography) to provide imaging services in clinical care. Requirements include ARRT(R) certification, U.S.

citizenship, and English proficiency; participation in Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) is available with VA review of eligibility and award details. Candidates must complete a 24-month post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program (or equivalent) and meet credentialing standards.

Qualifications

• Citizenship: United States Citizenship, or VA policy-based eligibility.
• English language proficiency required for speaking and writing.
• ARRT certification (R) is required.
• Education: 24-month diagnostic radiologic technology program or equivalent, accredited.
• Credentialing standards must be met per applicable regulations.

Skills

ARRT certification (R)

English language proficiency

Diagnostic Radiologic Technology

Education

24-month post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program

Credentialing standards (42 CFR Part 75)

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Basic Requirements

• Citizenship: 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. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• Education. Completion of a full‑time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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).

All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:

• DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
• DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.
• DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
• DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
• Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT.

Grade Determinations: GS-08

Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

Assignment Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (GE): Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasionally oversight or direction for highly complex issues.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• 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-8.

Physical Requirements:

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Radiography) position requires physical demands. Frequently required to walk, stand, bend, and reach. Must be able to lift and/or move over 50 pounds. There will be long periods of standing while wearing lead apron, glove, masks, gown, and eye shields during different procedures. Must have manual dexterity and keyboard skills.