Career Center

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise - "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans? BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3g. Certification: All applicants must be certified in Advanced Radiology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology ARRT (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT). 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.]. (Certification required) English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d), and 7407 (d). Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). (Transcripts required) Credentialing Standards: Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 5, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. Must have ARRT (R) certification. GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of 1 year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. (3) 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 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), [ ] magnetic resonance imaging (MR), [ ] [interventional radiologic technology (IR)], quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor.] General Radiologic Technology (R). DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS). GRADE DETERMINATIONS: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-5: Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist,GS-6: Experience or Education. At least 1 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 the following KSAs: (1) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure; (2) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning; (3) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures; (4) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment; and (5) Ability to learn basic computer functions Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7: Experience or Education. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level or the successful completion of 1 full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree program 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 the following KSAs: (1) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system; (2) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study; (3) Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard or fluoroscopic procedures; (4) Knowledge of the function of computed radiography, Phosphor cassettes and CR readers; and (5) Knowledge of PACS, and basic computer skills. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8 (Full Performance Level): Experience or Education. At least 1 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 the following KSAs: (1) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; (2) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed; (3) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; (4) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; (5) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; and (6) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. (Your experience must be detailed in your resume to receive full credit.) ["Incumbent performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology, under the direction of a Supervisor of Radiology. Duties at this level include, but are not limited to: Assist radiologists in the less complex fluoroscopic examinations. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, non ionic contrast material, barium, enema bags and drinking cups. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. The technician is to assure compliance to radiation regulations by wearing film badges. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits, and when necessary, registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface. Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical. Use two identifiers. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Performs radiographic exams at the bedside providing diagnostic x-rays to the professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity. These exams will be performed with the portable x-ray unit. Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor. Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees. Knowledge of DR and PACS system. This position may provide coverage to the local CBOC's less than 10% of the time. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Various hours/tour negotiable. Standard Tour of Duty is Monday - Friday; 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM. Possibility of working weekends and nights depending on the needs of the service. Functional Statement/FS #: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-5 (91200-O); Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-6 (91202-O); Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-7 (91202-O) and Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-8 (91203-O) Service Line: Imaging Service Telework: Not available Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized PCS/Relocation Allowances: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Drug Testing: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a drug 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 the VA. In addition, any offer of employment will be rescinded with a verified positive drug test. VA employees in drug testing designated positions are also subject to post appointment random drug testing. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019."]

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