Summary

This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Computed Tomography (CT) - position is assigned to Diagnostic Imaging at Madison - WI VHA. **Applicants that apply who don't meet the requirements for GS10 ($84 -959 to $110 -441) may be selected for a GS05 - GS09-See below. GS 05 pay range: $56 -061 to $72 -880 GS 06 pay range: $59 -428 to $77 -256 GS 07 pay range: $64 -443 to $83 -778 GS 08 pay range: $71 -368 to $92 -775 GS 09 pay range: $78 -827 to $102 -481

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. To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-05;

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)
• Certification: As a basic requirement - you 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.] (Documentation must be provided) Education: Have you completed a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program - evidenced by a certificate or an associate's 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)? Applicants must submit a copy of transcripts
• SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-6 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements - you must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-5) grade level? Experience includes performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature
• explaining exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards
• troubleshooting equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment
• reporting major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives - and assisting higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations
• In addition - can you demonstrate the following Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning
• GS- 7 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements - you must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-6) grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level? Successfully 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
• Experience includes performing a substantially full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues
• In addition - can you demonstrate the following Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards - minimum radiographic exposure techniques - appropriate beam
• limitation to anatomical area - and employing lead shielding when performing standard or fluoroscopic procedures
• GS-8 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements - you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-7) grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level? Experience includes providing services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services
• In addition - can you demonstrate the following Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• GS-09: Level: In addition to meeting the basic requirements - you must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-08 level
• 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
• In addition - 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.* GS-10: Level: In addition to meeting the basic requirements - you must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 level
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or - multi-slice computer tomography - inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans - including drainages - biopsies - and peripheral vascular examinations
• The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location - appearance - and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination
• to interpret the examination request accurately
• to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs
• to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor - or on film - and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician
• [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] In addition - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes
• 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
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies.

Duties

• The DRT will provide professional care 100% of the time within the specialized assignment
• This position is expected to be fully flexible in support of the needs of the facility and assignments may include both regular tour and off-tour responsibilities in providing routine and non-routine clinical care
• The duties and responsibilities of the DRT are listed below beginning at GS 05 level to GS 10 level
• They include but are not limited to the following: Duties: Understands basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• Coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment - ingenuity and initiative to effectively diagnose patients by using a wide variety of complex imaging exams
• Reviews and evaluates anatomy - positioning and all patient safety procedures regarding the modality in which they are assigned to
• Reviews the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system
• Coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment - ingenuity and initiative to effectively diagnose patients by using a wide variety of complex imaging exams
• Explain and differentiate contrast material required for the requested exam
• Checks imaging systems for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment - ingenuity and initiative to effectively diagnose patients by using a wide variety of complex imaging exams
• Monitors the patient for any physiologic changes during the procedure while keeping the radiologist informed
• Balances the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• Ability to perform basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• Coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment - ingenuity and initiative to effectively diagnose patients by using a wide variety of complex imaging exams
• Implements radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring and genetic changes
• Coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment - ingenuity and initiative to effectively diagnose patients by using a wide variety of complex imaging exams
• Possesses knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (such as CT - MRI - IR) studies
• Computed Tomography (CT) specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or - multi-slice computer tomography - inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans - including drainages - biopsies - and peripheral vascular examinations
• The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location - appearance - and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination
• to interpret the examination request accurately
• to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs
• to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor - or on film - and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician
• [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] Work Schedule: Full time - Monday to Friday with rotational on-call weekends and holidays
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Position Description Title/PD#: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - CT/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory - qualification - and performance requirements are met
• Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.