Employees at this grade level are qualified to provide diagnostic radiologic services. Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment both mobile and fixed and assists the radiologist in fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Supports radiologist or other medical officers to produce radiographic studies used to diagnose medical conditions. 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. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. 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. 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). 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: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet the following: ExperienceGS-08: I have at east one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-07 that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignment: 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 occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): In addition to the requirements listed above, candidates must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005 PART II APPENDIX G25. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0647 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08 Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling (1 hour); Pushing (1-2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid may be permitted). To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. ["Receives requests or instructions for a wide variety of complex radiology examinations. Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers. Contacts provider for verification of appropriate request if necessary. May perform as technologist in charge on less demanding shifts or in a detached clinic. Understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance of the supervisor, a higher graded technologist or radiologist when an uncommon, unique or new procedure is required. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and performs triage to prioritize. Notifies radiologist if exam requires immediate attention. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Explains procedures and positions to patients for desired results. Also, cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, or, in some circumstances, intravenously under close supervision. Operates computerized and digital radiography as well as conventional radiology equipment. Determines technical factors, sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. Ensures ALARA principle is applied. (As low as reasonably achievable). As a team member with a radiologist, performs procedures such as, but not limited to, IVP, urethrograms, G.I. series, modified barium swallow and barium and air contrast barium enemas. Sets up the exam room. Assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out. Performs X-ray and C-Arm work in Surgery. Performs C-Arm work in the Pain Clinic. Registers patients for examinations and updates status as necessary. Performs clerical and file room duties as they relate to patient care within the section. Maintains logs of patients and procedures used. Reviews new developments in the profession and makes recommendations to implement processes which would improve radiology operations. Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries. Cleans equipment and area after use. Performs routine maintenance and quality control. Recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment in a timely manner. Performs picture archival (PACS) duties. The technologist captures computerized and digital radiographs, configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting to PACS. This procedure requires a general knowledge of computer operations. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91582A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: None Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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