Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• a
• Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part 11, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) b
• 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), 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.] c
• 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).] 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 DETEMINATIONS: 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
• In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by : (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
• In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by : (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(full performance level): Experience-At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by : (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
• 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 8
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS 5-GS 8
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over
• moderate carrying, 15-44 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 (aid permitted)
• speed in working
• and emotional stability
• Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.