Operates independently with minimal direct supervision in the performance of all diagnostic and enhanced radiology procedures (General, CT, Fluoroscopy, Mobile C-arm, and DEXA) for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of patients. Operates independently with minimal direct supervision for the purpose of coordinating and managing radiology information systems.

Duties

Operates independently with minimal direct supervision in the performance of all diagnostic and enhanced radiology procedures (General, CT, Fluoroscopy, Mobile C-arm, and DEXA) for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of patients. Operates independently with minimal direct supervision for the purpose of coordinating and managing radiology Prepares and adequately explains radiology procedures to patients for both general and enhanced diagnostic radiology testing TB include complex procedures. Prepares contrast material and consent for enhanced procedures under the direction of the radiologist. The technologist understands and is aware of the effects and reactions of contrast and radiation exposure. Is a first responder in the event of a reaction to contrast media. Performs routine QC measures independently and responsible for radiology quality assurance. Is responsible for any back-up analog film/screen processing systems and film libraries. Accountable for high quality radiographs consistent with staff/contract radiologist and ACR standards. Appropriate markers are used to adequately annotate images. Keeps abreast of technological advances in radiology through appropriate CE studies and/or VA approved studies. Practices-radiation-safety-measures-accepted-by national and-local VA policy and the radiologist. Radiation safety measures include measures-to reduce exposure to patients and staff when appropriate. Film badges are a requirement and, when possible, worn at collar level at all times. Troubleshooting and reporting equipment malfunctions to the radiology supervisor. Must be current in iMed consent practices and train as necessary. Interprets radiology requests for procedures and performs· procedures as appropriate. Consults with the radiologist and alters tests as necessary to accommodate the patient's individual medical needs and body habitus as necessary. Must plan, decide and execute own judgement skills to work independently during normal tour of duty hours and off tour. Coordinates patient throughput with other staff and providers utilizing suitable scheduling and record keeping mechanisms. This includes the RIS, Vista, and other electronic and non-electronic methods to track patient diagnostic radiology procedures. Responsible for cleanliness of diagnostic equipment that is in direct contact with patients. Accountable for adequate supplies during diagnostic procedures. Responsible for Service RME policies and procedures. Must be professional and courteous to all patients, staff, and other customers. Technologist is responsible for the operation and utilization of all radiology information systems to include DR systems, PACS, Vista/CPRS, Voice Recognition Technology, and modality information systems. Responsible to review images for quality, annotation, appropriate orientation, demographics and identification to ensure images are recorded in the correct medical record. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 2:00pm - 10:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized 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. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Physical Requirements: A pre-placement physical examination to determine the physical, cognitive and emotional fitness of candidates for appointment in VA is required, and shall be completed prior to appointment. 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. (Certification Needed) Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months or 2 years 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). (Transcript or Certificate Needed) 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). Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 (Above the Full Performance Level): Experience: At least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. You must demonstrate all of the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) in your resume: i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Preferred Experience: One (1) year CT experience with CT certification References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Pre-placement physical examination to determine the physical, cognitive and emotional fitness of candidates for appointment in VA is required, and shall be completed prior to appointment, for all full-time, part-time and intermittent positions.

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 James E Van Zandt VA Medical Center 2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard Altoona, PA 16602 US
• Name: Carolyn Graham
• Email: [email protected]