Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements at time of application.

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-Documentation Submitted
• 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
• Education-Transcript Submitted
• 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)
• 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 for Picture Archive Communication System Technologist, GS-11: Experience-(If applicable SF-50 Submitted)
• Candidates must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-10) directly related o the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory radiologic technologist, PACS technologist, clinical program director, or an assistant chief radiologic technologist
• Examples of experience for the PACS technologist at the GS-10 grade level includes, but is not limited to: provides support and troubleshoots system application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage, and display systems
• The technologist performs VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control
• The technologist coordinates contingency plans during equipment downtimes and initiates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors
• The technologist provides oversight of hardware relating to PACS display workstations, applications, speech recognition hardware, and other medical imaging hardware
• The technologist provides training to radiologists, technologists, and other clients in the proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS and VistA imaging systems
• The technologist provides instruction and guidance in daily operations of the ancillary systems such as: speech recognition dictation, dose reporting systems, contrast reporting systems, etc
• The incumbent may function as a DRT which may include complex modalities such as CT, MR, mammography, ultrasound, and/or IR
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
• In addition to the experience listed above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of contingency plans during equipment downtimes
• Ability to act as liaison for Radiology with biomedical engineering and OI&T
• Ability to develop methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems
• Ability to lead a team of multidisciplinary members in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements
• Ability to perform complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) links, AE titles, individual and user group creation and access management, etc
• Knowledge of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to PACS network, VistA imaging, and database security
• Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation
• Preferred Experience: Minimum of three years experience as a PACS administrator at a large facility and able to provide remote access support as necessary
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy Lifting, 45 pounds and over, moderate carrying, 15-45 pounds, pushing up to 4 hours
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required)
• prolonged walking, prolonged standing
• repeated bending
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• hearing (hearing aid permitted)
• speed in working
• and emotional stability
• Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing lead apron for possibly long periods of time
• English language proficiency.