Summary

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 01, 2024, with subsequent cut-off dates starting May 01, 2024 and on the 1st of each month thereafter. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

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 II, 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)
Credentialing Standards
Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel
Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S
Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field
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 REQUIREMENTS: Creditable Experience: (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice
To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice
This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of 1 year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT
(2) Quality of Experience
Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above
Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
(3) Part-Time Experience
Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek
For example, a DRT would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work
Cardiovascular-Interventional Technology (CV)
Cardiovascular-interventional technologists (CV) use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures
This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy
The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures
The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements with reference to contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures
CV technologists must be knowledgeable in CR and PACS
GRADE DETERMINATION In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-9: (1) Experience
At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
(2) Assignments
For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time
DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: (a) Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist 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
The candidate must demonstrate 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 Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers; *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; and Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients
References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09
Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds, pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above the shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; distinguish basic colors; good hearing (aid permitted); good vision; speed in working and emotional stability
Must have the ability to wear a lead apron for long periods of time.