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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. 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. 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: Citizenship. 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).] English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-9 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described below. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred Experience: Good communications skills, work with a variety of patients and occupations. Experience performing advanced and basic CT studies. Experience with portable and emergency radiography. Set techniques and practices principals of ALARA. Ability to prioritize workload and work in fast paced environment. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting: 45 pounds and over, Moderate carrying: 15-44 pounds, Pushing for 8 hrs, reaching above shoulder, both hands required, both feet required, ability to distinguish basic colors, standing and walking 8 hrs, kneeling 4 hrs, ability to read typewritten material without strain, Emotional mental stability, ability to wear a respirator, ability to wear lead apron, ability to perform BLS. ["Summary: Working in the Diagnostic and Computed Axial Tomographic Scan Sections performs a variety of examinations to include Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) scans of body and head with and/or without contrast, fluoroscopy, urology, and routine examinations to include but not limited to mobile and operating room, cysto, and other areas as needed using radiographic factors of MA, time and KVP to produce quality radiographs. Duties include but are not limited to: Schedules DRT/CT exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Performs peripheral and visceral/abdominal systems and extremities and CT angiography, including spine, head and neck studies. These studies include renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated x-ray equipment, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic or therapeutic studies of the vascular systems and spinal canal. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography and other exams. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Is trained to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. Capable of performing reconstructions of general CT and CT angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient I.D. band and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number. Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes. Primarily performs complicated radiographic examinations. Receives patients, explains method of procedure, positions patient, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjust accessory equipment required, makes exposures necessary for the requested examination and archives images. Primarily performs complicated radiographic examinations. Receives patients, explains method of procedure, positions patient, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjust accessory equipment required, makes exposures necessary for the requested examination and archives images. Operates the mobile x-ray machines in the operating rooms, nursing and intensive care units and the emergency room. Maintains a safe working environment by proper use of radiation safety protection such as proper collimation, use of lead aprons, proper shielding and techniques to obtain diagnostic images. Utilizes safe working practices and good judgment when lifting patients or supplies that may require assistance to avoid unnecessary injury. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technicians in compliance with radiation regulations. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the Medical Center, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Work Schedule: Intermittent Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 52732-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Timothy.Kiddoo2@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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