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.

Duties

Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment both mobile and fixed. Assists/supports radiologist or other medical officers to produce radiographic studies used to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Schedules exams to optimize the operations of radiographic equipment and CT scanners while maintaining a flexibility to allow for emergency cases. Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from radiologist or medical officers: Independently and without supervision, carries out the requests and understands diagnostic requirements of the exams and only seeks assistance of a higher graded technologist when a unique or new procedure is required. Employee performs all required information support tasks including exam registration, tracking, etc. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the completion of checklist and contrast / radiology notes in the CPRS package. Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to compensate for and adjust to patients' medical conditions. Independently explains procedures and positions patients for the procedures. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, under supervision. Prepares exam rooms with sterile supplies, local anesthetics and any supplies required for given exams. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist to performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms, fistulagrams, CT scans, arthrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. (In the case of injected media, a patient consent form must be obtained, when indicated.) These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, ionic and nonionic contrast, barium, enema bags and gastrografin. The radiographer must know the effects and adverse reactions associated with these agents. Must continuously monitor the patient's condition. Employee must be knowledgeable in the procedures for handling adverse reactions that require immediate attention including CPR certification, and preparing incident reports in CPRS. Operates computerized radiography as well as conventional Radiology equipment. Determines technical factors, sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that portions 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 IVP, cystograms, G.I. series, esophograms, double contrast enemas, myelography, arthrography, fistula grams, tube placement and checks. Also, the technologist works with speech pathologists to perform and care for patient during video esophogram. Employee performs computerized tomography (CT) and radiographic examinations of the head, neck spine, chest, body and extremities. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Notifies radiologist of scans requiring their immediate attention. Works with the radiologist as a member of the surgical/radiographic team during biopsies, drainage or any procedure requiring CT guidance.Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition, sterile field, catheter and needle sizes, etc. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc. Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the cardiac system. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Film badges are worn by the technicians in compliance with radiation regulations. Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Maintains proficiency on reconstruction techniques. Properly identifies images using verification of identifiable information, and marking orientation of images with L & R markers. The radiographer must ensure proper patient identification matches the appropriate exam requests and patient image folders. The technologist captures computerized images, applies an algorithm, configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. Performs irregular hour emergency scans on standby, 24hours per day, coverage. Requires the technologist be available within 30 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Functional Statement #: 21S66-A EDRP Authorized: Contact Christine Paola, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). 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). Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Experience in CT is preferred. Advanced certification in CT is preferred and completion of clinical requirement and subsequent certification is required to be assigned in the modality. Completion of clinical requirement and subsequent certification is required to be assigned in the modality. This is a developmental position and the department will provide clinical support towards achievement of required certification. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-8. 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), and 7407(d).

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.

Contacts

• Address Samuel S Stratton VA Medical Center - Albany 113 Holland Ave Albany, NY 12208 US
• Name: Kaiya Moore
• Phone: 2025966773
• Email: [email protected]