This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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. Language Proficiency: You must be proficient in spoken and written English. Education: You must have completed a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration or equivalent in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program. Certification: You must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT)(R). 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 DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. 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 one 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 one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), [ ] magnetic resonance imaging (MR), [ ] [interventional radiologic technology (IR)], quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor.] Grade Determinations: [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-8 [ ] (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. (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. (2) Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (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. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting & carrying (15-44 lbs); Straight pulling and pushing (Up to 7 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking and standing (Up to 7 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision 20/50 and 20/100; Emotional/mental stability. ["Receives patients, explains methods of procedure, positions patient, selects and sets technical factors and any accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested examinations. The technologist performs dynamic and static diagnostic examinations and other additional duties in order to obtain a completed specific examination. Thoroughly explains procedures and actions to allay fears and secure maximum cooperation. Receives and reviews radiology requests from physicians and other health care providers for diagnostic examinations of patients. The technologist determines the condition(s) at issue and the best way to meet the needs of the individual patient. Sets up, adjusts and operates diagnostic radiography equipment. Selects the appropriate protocol(s), and conducts examination, adjusting technique and equipment to best present the medically significant aspects found. If unanticipated conditions or anomalies are discovered, extends and modifies procedure to ensure full and accurate information as to findings and patient condition. Monitors patient condition during examination and, if necessary, renders emergency aid and summons assistance. The technologist assists Radiologist or physician in evaluating results. Ensures the migration of patient information and images generated from the Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR) examination rooms to the Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) and Computerized Patient Record Keeping System (CPRS).Provides technical-based training for the Radiologic Technologist students from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Directly interacts with both the students and the instructors from FTCC. Trains other personnel in radiographic principles, procedures, capabilities, techniques, and equipment. Explains concepts and principles of the methodology and its use and limitations as a diagnostic tool. Develops diagnostic imaging training plans for incorporation in other programs of instruction. Conducts hands-on training and technical oversight of other less experienced technologists. Develops or adapts and documents new or changed procedures to accommodate equipment changes or new techniques in diagnostic imaging. The technologist is able to use the computer terminals for scheduling examinations, inputting and tracking QA data and also for electronic mail. The technologist will work for brief periods at the Front Desk Reception, to replace the Medical Support Assistant, when this person is absent. The technologist participates in the acquisition of data for the service Quality Assurance Plan. Also assists the Lead Technologist in monitoring the various functions of technical quality control. Sets up radiographic room. Assures that sterile supplies, linen, routine supplies, contrast materials, catheters and other required equipment is maintained, inventoried regularly and prepared for procedure. Prepares oral, intravenous, and rectal contrast materials and assists radiologists in their administration (ex. fluoroscopic studies, IVP's). As required by procedure or patient's condition, obtains pertinent information from patient or medical records, monitors the patient during examination and notifies radiologist of any significant changes. Performs bedside examinations on the medical wards, ICU unit, recovery room, and OR suite with portable x-ray machines. Assists the medical center surgeons by operating the portable C-Arm unit during difficult and complex OR cases. Assists the Radiologist in performing complex procedures such as biopsies, needle punctures, fistulograms, etc. Maintains daily care, cleanliness, and disinfection of equipment by use of appropriate agents. Follows established isolation procedure policies. Performs quality control duties to ensure smooth patient flow and expedient performance of requested examinations by means of monitoring requisitions for pertinent data; performing film checks for acceptable diagnostic quality; delivery to appropriate area of completed exams; control disposition of patient by maintaining proper communication with ward personnel, escort service or other personnel; monitoring radiographic rooms to render assistance as needed; and any related duties that will expedite patient care. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Hours; 4:00p - 12:00a (midnight) EDRP Authorized: Contact Cheryl.Lahair@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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