Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 48,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in San Antonio seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technician at GS-5 to GS-8 levels. Candidates must meet basic requirements, hold ARRT(R) certification, and complete a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program.

Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of radiography procedures, patient safety, digital imaging, and familiarity with PACS. Advanced ARRT certification is required for CT, MRI, or Mammography duties, and non-certified candidates may be

Qualifications

• ARRT certification required; advanced ARRT for CT/MRI/Mammography duties.
• Completion of a 24-month radiologic technology program accredited by JRCERT or DOE-recognized body.
• Credentialing standards per 42 CFR Part 75 and VA qualifications.
• Non-certified entry-level candidates may be given temporary appointments for up to two years under supervision.
• Grandfathering provision may apply to current VA employees in this occupation.

Skills

ARRT(R) certification

Education

Post-high school radiologic technology program (certificate or associate degree)

Job description

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.]

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.

Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.

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).

Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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

[Diagnostic Radiologic Technician], GS-5 [ ]

Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

[Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-6 [ ]

Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
• (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
• (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
• (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
• (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions.

[Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-7 [ ]

Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
• (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
• (c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures.
• (d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
• (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

[Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-8 [ ]

Experience. At least one 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 of the following KSAs:

• (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
• (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
• (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
• (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
• (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
• (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

Preferred Experience

• 1 to 2 Years of clinical experience in a fast-paced or acute-care hospital setting
• Any prior history working nights, weekends, and holidays
• 1 Year hospital or trauma center experience: handling emergencies, portable X-rays, and intensive care units (ICU)s

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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08.