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. Learn more 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). Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates GS-5 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. 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. And Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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 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. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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 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. (2) Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Pushing (4-8 hours); Reaching over shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4-8 hours); Standing (4-8 hours); Both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaegar 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish shades of color; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Mental and emotional stability; Prolonged standing; Use of lead protective wear Environmental Factors: Working closely with others; Working alone; Protracted or irregular hours of work; Exposure to ionizing radiation; exposure to bodily fluids. ["General Description: Employees at this level serve in a DRT career development position. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues and require daily and direct supervision. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. 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. Also, must be competent in more advanced imaging to train other Technologists and Students on all aspects of Diagnostic Imaging, to include Quality Control.\nFunctions: Performs routine radiographs, portable exams, fluoroscopy, and OR imaging with supervision. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. The radiographer is qualified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. The radiographer must know the effects and adverse reactions of the contrast materials. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it. Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment. Accurately utilizes PACS for acquisition, transmission, storage, and review of images, performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the Radiologist. Has knowledge to perform Quality Control procedures, with supervision, which may include(but not limited to) the following: Reject/repeat image analysis, Lead apron & glove radiation verification. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients and staff while applying elements of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle. This is includes appropriate use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, collimation and distance management. Film badges are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance to radiation regulations. Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as It pertains to the examination being performed. Explains to patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure. Explains examinations to be performed to patients so they understand the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients so they are thoroughly understood. Maybe required to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation i. Properly identifies patient with at least 2 patient identifiers in accordance with VAPORHCS policy, confirms identity on order, properly identifies patient images and utilizes L(eft) and R(ight) markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity of images to patients does not occur Incumbent shall identify system errors and work with the Supervisor, Assistant Chief Tech and BioMed department to facilitate the effective and timely service of radiographic equipment. Incumbent will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible Additional duties as necessary within the scope of practice for Diagnostic Radiography. Work Schedule: TBD\nTelework: Not Available\nTravel-Occasional\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 00000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Please contact the VISN 20 EDRP Coordinator Stacy Hermann @ V20CompensationTeam@va.gov\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]