The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)(CT) performs CT examinations on all body regions, including complex procedures with multiplanar reformations, 3-dimensional reconstructions, dynamic contrast imaging, body CT, CT angiography, general diagnostic radiography examinations, diagnostic x-rays of all body regions, bone-length examinations, bone surveys, general fluoroscopic examinations, both in an outpatient clinic setting and in the operating room environment (C-Arm).

Requirements

Qualifications

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. English Language Proficiency, must be proficient in written and spoken English. 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) https://www.jrcert.org/find-a-program/ or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home Certification. Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT). Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] 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: GS-10 (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. NOTE: to be equivalent to the GS-9 level, experience must also be earned while having an Advanced AART Certification. Please see the Education Section of this announcement for the Clinical Competencies at the GS-9 level. (b). The candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. 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. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.] Preferred Experience: 2 or more years creditable experience as a general radiographer and complex fluoroscopic examinations 2 or more years creditable experience in applicable advanced certification areas (i.e. CT). Experience using GE, Hitachi, and/or Canon Imaging equipment. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/77 PART II APPENDIX G25 [DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD dated December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: There are no Set Physical Requirements for this position. Standing, light lifting, pushing, use of eyes and ears will be required to perform some functions of this position. Duties Continued: Is Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Is Responsible for reporting equipment malfunctions or in a timely manner and placing equipment maintenance requests. Is professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees. May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations during irregular emergency on-call hours, 24hours per day, coverage. This requires that the technologist be available as soon as possible, but no longer than 30 minutes from receipt of call. This is so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. Completes all assigned training (TMS, BLS, HIPAA, etc.) as directed and in a timely manner. Performs other administrative & imaging duties for which they have been trained

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.

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) https://www.jrcert.org/find-a-program/ or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home

If your school has changed names or is no longer in service, this information must be submitted with your application.

The clinical competencies at the GS-9 level are as follows:

DRT:

• 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.

[Lead] Diagnostic Radiologic [ ] [Technologist]:

• Ability to provide technical oversight and assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload utilizing the personnel to the greatest advantage thus providing the optimal level of patient care within the workday.
• Ability to plan, direct, and distribute work assignments to DRTs at lower grade levels.
• Skill in instructing and training DRTs on newly acquired equipment.
• Ability to plan and project staffing needs.
• Skill to independently perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.

Supervisory DRT:

• Ability to organize work, set priorities, delegate tasks and responsibilities.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.
• *Skill in assessing qualifications and abilities of current and prospective employees.
• *Ability to consult with radiologist to develop standard and non-standard treatment/exam protocols. Ability to independently perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.

Contacts

• Address Thomas E Creek VA Medical Center 6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West Amarillo, TX 79106 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]