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)
• 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) duties, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed independently: 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
• 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)
• Transcripts required
• NOTE: Grandfathering Provision: 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)
• IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE, YOU MUST MEET THE GRADE REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION
• GS-10 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-09 directly related to the position being filled
• This includes working on assigned tasks independently
• Experience with varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program
• 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
• Preparing and administering contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations
• knowledge in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS)
• and Interpreting examination request accurately
• In addition, you must have experience which demonstrates the following knowledge, skills and abilities: i
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes
• ii
• 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
• iii
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment
• iv
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: For the physical requirements of this job see VA directive and Handbook 5019
• The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds or over
• moderate carrying 15-45 pounds
• pushing, pulling, and reaching above shoulders up to 4 hours
• use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required)
• prolonged walking, standing, and/or sitting
• repeated bending
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• hearing (aid not permitted in Zone 4)
• and speed in working
• Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.