Duties

Performs the full spectrum of radiographic and fluoroscopic examinations in a tertiary care facility with an active spinal cord, nursing home, hospice, polytrauma unit, heart and liver transplant services. Performs specialized procedures and operates specialized fluoroscopic and radiographic equipment and computers that communicate with the equipment. Receives patients, explains method of procedure and is responsible for proper positioning of patients

Major duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs the full spectrum of radiographic and fluoroscopic examinations in a tertiary care facility with an active spinal cord, nursing home, hospice, polytrauma unit, heart and liver transplant services.
• Performs specialized procedures and operates specialized fluoroscopic and radiographic equipment and computers that communicate with the equipment.
• Receives patients, explains method of procedure and is responsible for proper positioning of patients. Prior to exposure, selects and sets technical factors. Sets up and adjust accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedures.
• Performs fluoroscopies, gastrointestinal examinations, conventional plain film radiography, myelography, fluoroscopy guided, Dobhoff tube placement, fistula gram, fluoroscopic guided diaphragmatic paralysis, interventional procedures, portable radiography, digital radiography, and operating room radiography.
• Support radiologists and clinician in the performance of these exams, anticipates imaging, and equipment needs before and during the procedure, follows the progress of the procedure and facilitates an efficient flow.
• Performs radiograph procedures using the proper exposure techniques, including manual and photo timed exposures Exams are performed using exposure tables, intensifying screens, buckies, collimators, filters, grids, and other technical aids to produce radiographs of diagnostic quality with the minimum of retakes. Adjusts as needed.
• Monitors the examination by checking the computation, performance, and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer-generated data and images. Monitors the patient's physical condition, physiologic changes during the procedure and keeps the radiologist informed.
• Reviews labs, medical history of patient for indications of his/her ability to tolerate the exam and for possible side effects.
• Film badge must be worn when on duty and left in the department when off duty or on leave and must be changed once a month.
• Adheres to the medical center protective equipment policy for fluoroscopic and other ionizing radiation exposure. Wears lead apron when helping radiologist in fluoroscopy, holding patients or doing any exams involving x-rays that the technologist cannot be six feet away from source. Provides radiation shielding for patients whenever possible.
• Reviews requests for appropriateness before performing exams. Incumbent uses appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, interviews the patient, reviews the patient chart or contacts the ordering clinician as needed for clarification. Presents discrepant or deficient indications to the supervisory technologist or radiologist as appropriate.
• Sets up the x-ray room assuring sterile supplies, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out.
• Prepares and administers contrast material orally, by enema, or intravenously under radiologist supervision.
• Monitors patient's vital signs during these examinations and initiates the appropriate response for varying levels of adverse contrast reactions.
• Positions patient according to type of study, considering patient's physical characteristics, as well as patient's comfort and or ability.
• Identifies trauma patients and uses appropriate modifications in imaging techniques and employs proper precautions to assure patient safety and comfort.
• Properly labels, secures, prepares, and administers radiographic contrast material orally, intravenously, or by enema under the supervision of a physician.
• Review labels, medical history of patient for indications of his/her ability to tolerate the exam and for possible side effect.
• Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations, using protective equipment when required and provided.
• Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients, This includes the maintenance of electronically secured spreadsheets, registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system and ensuring all images and required paperwork is properly filled out and scanned in the PACS system, in the correct orientation and on the correct patient.

Work Schedule: Various tours to include nights, weekends and holidays
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel

Qualifications

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.]
• Grandfathering Provision. 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. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry.
• 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), and7407(d).

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-5-Diagnostic Radiologic Technician
Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-6 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

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.

GS-7 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

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.

GS-8 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, dated December 13, 2019. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8.

Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds); moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling (1-2 hours); pushing (3-4 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands required; walking (6-7 hours); standing (3-4 hours); kneeling (1-2 hours); repeated bending (3-4 hours); near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; and hearing (aid permitted). The environmental factors for this position are: working closely with others and/or alone; protracted or irregular hours; and unusual emotional strain.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .