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Performs CT Imaging, Magnetic Resonance and Angiography Imaging (MRI/MRA) of the head, neck, spine, chest and body. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. 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).] 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. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. 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: Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-10: Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. ii. 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. iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. iv. 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. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Light to Moderate lifting and carrying, up to 44 pounds; straight pulling; reaching above shoulders; use of both hands and fingers required; walking, standing; crawling; kneeling; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted). *** This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file until September 29, 2023.** Further ratings will occur every week thereafter until position is filled. Once a selection has been made, no further candidates will be rated/referred unless further vacancies occur. This announcement may be canceled at any time. ["Major duties include but not limited to: Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize all of the radiographic equipment including the MRI/CT scanner times while maintaining a flexibility to allow for emergency cases. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of MRI/CT scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Notifies the radiologist of scans requiring their immediate attention. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition (the alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc.) Prepares contrast materials that are used in MRI/CT and general exams. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, proper exposure factor and equipment, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. The radiographers to assure compliance to radiation regulations wear film badges. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the medical center, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Sends images to the PACs system for image interpretation. Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Radiology Service policy. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Assures CT patients are screened for previous iodinated contrast media reactions and/or contraindications to iodinated contrast media. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all MRI and CT imaging supplies and related material. Continually reviews new developments in MRI and CT imaging. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of examinations utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide the physicians and patients with the best possible images and scans for diagnostic purposes. Responsible for assuming various rotating schedules as determined by the Chief, Radiology Service. The rotation includes CT and MRI. Routinely performs standard CT, CT Angiography and biopsy procedures. Performs quality control for CT imaging, as required. Records contrast warmer temperature daily. Checks crash cart at beginning of shift. Performs CT angiography; including run-offs and pulmonary embolus studies. These studies require the use of power injectors and reconstruction of images post image acquisition. Work Schedule: Typically Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, based on organizational needs. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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