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 incumbent is expected to perform at the advanced performance level per the duties that entails, as a staffed Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT). Incumbent will perform all examinations in general radiology, ranging from routine to complex. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction and basic QM type duties within the program. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, general diagnostic units, as well as portable equipment. DRTs will prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. Computed radiography and digital imaging are used to capture and process images. Performs DEXA (Duel energy X-ray Absorbtiometry), to include bone density exams of spine, femur and other extremities requiring examination. Images are released through the picture archiving system (PACS) to the Interventional Anesthesiologist for medical diagnosis and interpretation by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. Other duties include, but are not limited to: Assists Interventional Anesthesiologists during fluoroscopic examinations. Performs fluoroscopic imaging during examinations conducted by other providers. Employs knowledge of anatomy, physiology and cross-sectional anatomy to ensure quality and accuracy of examinations. Knowledge and ability to recognize unusual images to determine proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Monitors the patient's physiology during the procedure and keeps the Interventional Anesthesiologist informed. Has ability to balance the needs of the patient and staff while performing while performing complex scans and procedures. Has a vast knowledge of anatomy and physiology and cross-sectional anatomy, with the ability to recognize unusual images and determines proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Prepares and has knowledge of different contrast materials under the direction of the Interventional Anesthesiologist for examinations requiring injectable solutions such as cystogram, arthrography and barium suspensions for the purpose of performing upper and lower exams of the GI tract. Patient consent may need to be obtained in certain patients. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, iodinated contrast, gastrografin, barium, enema bags and various other supplies. Sets up and prepares sterile surgical fields and prepare patients for arthrograms, injections or drains. Demonstrates knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Practices radiation safety using principles of ALARA, reducing exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved with the utilization of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, time and distance and collimation. The technologist assures compliance with radiation regulations for all staff including the wearing of film badges. The technologist must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Has the ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Has knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Performs other duties as assigned by management. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 534-53043F 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]. Certification and registration in Sonography issued by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in addition to certification in general radiologic technology are required for this position. 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). English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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). 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist 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. Assignments: Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists and carry out their assigned tasks independently. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *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. Preferred Experience: Pain Medicine experience is preferred but not necessary. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. 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 Ralph H Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 109 Bee Street Charleston, SC 29401 US
• Name: William Kendall
• Email: [email protected]