The employee is certified/licensed by the American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT) and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) and has demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills abilities, and other "core competencies" associated with current radiologic technology and sonography practice. Capable of Basic Life Support interventions if needed and maintains a current BLS certificate from the American Heart Association.

Duties

Diagnostic Ultrasound (Sonography) (S): This position is inclusive of competency in ultrasound and diagnostic radiology modalities. Diagnostic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The practitioner must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source of all ultrasound imaging, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. Within this specialization there is a diverse range of ultrasound imaging sub-specialties. These include diagnostic medical sonography, abdominal and vascular technology, vascular and related organs. The incumbent operates the following modalities: Diagnostic Ultrasound (US), General Radiology (x-ray),and Bone Densitometry. The incumbent in this position may be required to travel up to 25%.Functions: Independently performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities, retroperitoneal space, and vascular exams for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Properly identifies patient by confirming patient name and date of birth or social security number. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. Performs computerized ultrasonic tomographic scans of major and minor organ systems. These scans are performed on multiple areas of the body including, but not limited to, the abdomen, small parts, thyroid, and testes. Performs vascular ultrasound exams requiring a complete and thorough knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy of the aorta, carotid arterial, peripheral arterial, and venous systems. Routinely assesses for contraindications for ordered procedure (i.e. segmental vs venous, etc.). Possesses a knowledge and skills needed to access the patient record (CPRS), diagnosis, and laboratory results. Operates a complex automated ultrasound system and auxiliary components. Proper transducer selection and equipment control manipulation of amplitude will be varied by the technologist in accordance with the body part, pathology, and structure studied and is solely recognized and manipulated by the technologist as an impending factor upon the validity of the study. Interprets the test results to provide the radiologist with a preliminary diagnosis evaluation. Alerts the physician of any significant findings requiring their immediate attention. Interprets test results to provide all measurements of various parameters of the studies performed including stenosis measurements, percent of degree of stenosis measurements, pathological volume and size, vessel motion, and any other measurements required and relevant to the successful interpretation and diagnostic examination. Consults with radiologist to establish requirements for non-standard exams. Independent of Radiologist personal supervision, the incumbent exercises judgment in making various oblique, transverse, and/or sagittal scans; scans and searches organs for abnormalities and interprets sonographic tracings while they are being generated. Independently determines technical factors, positioning, number, and thickness of scans. Assesses every patient's limitations (i.e. vent patient, nursing home care, psychiatric, etc.) modifying procedure to meet the patient's needs while obtaining images needed for diagnostic interpretation. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am - 4:00pm, possible Saturday rotation Telework: Not eligible for Telework Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): 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).] 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 75, 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. 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Experience. At least one 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. Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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: 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: 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 Part Ii Appendix G25. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Spark M Matsunaga Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 459 Patterson Road Honolulu, HI 96819 US
• Name: Lizbeth Torres
• Phone: (415) 221-4810 X24760
• Email: [email protected]