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 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. 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).] 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. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 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: 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). 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. 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. 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. 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 December 13, 2019. 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: Incumbent must be able to meet the physical demands of the position. While preforming the duties of this job, the CT Radiologic Technologist is frequently required to stand, walk, bend, and reach. Must be able to Lift and/or move over 50 pounds. May be required to wear Lead apron, gloves, mask , gown and eye shield during specific procedures. They must have full manual dexterity and keyboarding skills. Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word. Must be able to view and read information on computer screens. The work area is well lighted and temperature controlled. Special safety precautions are used to reduce exposure to x-rays. Ionizing radiation is harmful unless prescribed safety measures are followed. These include using the lowest technical factors possible to obtain a diagnostic radiograph, and wearing protective lead apron and gloves, if required. to remain in the room while an exposure is being made. The incumbent may be required to work an irregular tour of duty. ["The Birmingham VA Medical Center located in downtown Birmingham; Alabama is recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General X-Ray) to work within the Radiology/Imaging Service. VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws\nVA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY\nVA Careers - Prosthetics: https://youtube.com/embed/3NUvF5jjErQ\nVA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) will perform procedures and examinations under the general direction of the Lead General Technologist or Chief Technologist of Radiology or the Radiologist. The DRT (General X-Ray) utilizes digital equipment to perform diagnostic radiography procedures. This requires the technologist to have knowledge of human anatomy. The selectee will perform procedures as a team member with other technologists such as chest, extremities, spines, skull, sinus, abdominal studies and any other procedure that does not require the direct presence of a radiologist. In all procedure cases, where a patient's consent is needed. A consent form must be documented in the patient chart. Sterile technique must always be practiced. The incumbent performs routine, daily cleaning of assigned area, and notifies supervisor of inventory changes. The DRT sets up-x-ray room; assures that supplies, or other required equipment are present as required by procedure or patient's condition. He/she receives patients, explains method of procedure, positions patient, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required, and makes exposures necessary for the requested examinations. Also, the DRT captures computerized radiographs and digital radiographs, applies an algorithm, configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. Additionally, all General Technologists are required to back up surgery and pain block technologists as needed. The incumbent practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the using the proper radiation apparel (aprons, thyroid shield, lead glasses) and collimation. Radiation monitors for all individuals are always required to be worn during all procedures whether observing or participating to assure compliance of radiation safety policy. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. The incumbent maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface. The incumbent utilizes the computerized patient record system (CPRS) to assist with accessing pertinent patient data as required. He/she will be familiar with the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) computer system to access other information and documentation as needed while assuring correct CPT codes are utilized. The incumbent is responsible for stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. He/she must report equipment malfunctions to the supervisor in a timely manner. The incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees. He/she must demonstrate professionalism to promote good relations with other services. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 12:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. with some holidays and weekend. ; Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with some holidays and weekend; Monday - Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. with some holidays and night shift.\nFunctional Statement #: FS-250; FS-251; FS-252; FS-230\nRecruitment/Relocation Incentives: Authorized up to 10% of total salary with service agreement.\nRetention Incentives: Authorized after successfully completing 90 days on the job.\nEDRP Authorized: Contact Valerie.Shields2@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]