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

The DRT provides support and services in Diagnostic Radiology to both inpatients and outpatients under the direction of a physician. Duties include but not limited to: Performs a wide variety of general diagnostic radiographic examinations utilizing multiple types of radiographic equipment. Operates digital radiography (DR), computed radiography (CR), and conventional radiography equipment with accuracy in producing optimal imaging examinations. Calibrates and adjusts technical factors to optimize image quality. Responsible for diagnostic quality of images produced. Applies knowledge of anatomy and physiology to imaging; determines and applies proper positioning for anatomic region of interest and information desired, according to established guidelines. Performs the processes to prepare Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) per AVAHCS SOPs specific to each device according to manufacturer's recommendations as required. Cleans and disinfects all RME according to manufacturing guidelines and VHA operating standards associated with RME. Performs PACS (Picture Archiving and Communicating System) duties, which includes capturing computerized radiographs and digital images, applying an algorithm, configuring the image, and verifying patient information before transmission to the picture archive system. Provides training to student radiographers and residents from affiliated programs and facilitates the attainment of established program objectives. The Technologist is knowledgeable of the side effects and adverse reactions associated with contrast administration. Performs all other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday (with rotating call, subject to change based on the needs of the facility) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 667-00195-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

Qualifications

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). 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technician, GS-5 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-6 Experience or Education. At least one 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that 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; 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. (c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. (d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. 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. 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: Minimum of 2 years experience as a licensed Radiologic Technologist Experience with Philips, Toshiba, GE, and Carestream X-Ray equipment Experience with both fixed and portable X-Ray machines Experience with surgery and fluoroscopy References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: Work requires physical exertion such as periods of standing (up to 7 hours), walking (up to 7 hours), repeated bending (.5 hours), straight pulling (.5 hours), pushing (.5 hours), use of fingers, both hands required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, reaching above the shoulder, moderate carrying (15 - 44 pounds), heavy lifting (45 pounds and over). Ability to read printed material without strain (glasses permitted), visual requirement 20/50 or better in one eye, ability to distinguish basic colors. Mental and emotional stability. Ability to hear conversational voice (aid aid may be permitted, based upon specific characteristics).

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 Alexandria VA Medical Center 2495 Shreveport Highway Pineville, LA 71360 US
• Name: Grace Jackson
• Phone: 725-780-8676
• Email: [email protected]