Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist CT/AT

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Mather (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in California is seeking a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (GS-10) to perform radiologic procedures and support imaging operations.

The role requires ARRT certification and adherence to VA radiologic standards as part of a comprehensive imaging service. Applicants must meet the basic requirements, including English proficiency, education in radiologic technology, and advanced certifications where applicable.

Qualifications

• ARRT certification in Radiologic Technology is required; advanced CT/MRI/Mammography certification may be required.
• Completion of a 24-month post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program accredited by JRCERT or recognized by DOE.
• Grandfathering provisions may apply to current VA employees in this occupation.

Skills

Radiation safety

Imaging software

Physics basics

Patient positioning

Education

ARRT Certification (R)

Advanced ARRT CT/MRI/Mammography

JRCERT/DOE accredited radiologic tech program (certificate or AS)

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.

Preferred Experience: 3 Years Computed Tomography (CT)Experience

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

A. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

B. English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)

C. Certification Requirement: 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

D. Education Requirement: 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).

E. 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.

F. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10

• Experience. In addition to minimum qualifications, applicants must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower level, GS-09, that is directly related to the position being filled, that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
  • Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.
  • Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate ALL of the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
  • Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.
  • Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
  • Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, dated December 13, 2019, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards, GS-0647.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10.