Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current, permanent, federal, employees of James H. Quillen VA Medical Center and CBOCs aligned under Duty Station #621. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Videos

The employee is a fully functional DRT and performs computerized tomography () axial and/or 3-D reconstruction scans utilizing both single and multi-slice scanners Assures supplies, contrast media and other materials are set up and readily available prior to the scan. Prior to scanning incumbent selects and sets protocols for each individualized patient examination. Monitors, observes and assists patients. Functions or Duties of this position include but are not limited to:

• COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT)
  • Examinations include, but are not limited to, CT examinations of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, CT angiography, extremities, neck, etc.
  • Performs daily check of crash art or drug box.
  • Coordinates daily schedule and consults with other medical center physicians, clinical, administrative, and clerical personnel of next day and future day's availability for patient examinations.
  • Schedules, receives patients o include verbal interview for demographic accuracy and patient education prior to procedure, ensuring patient comfort and relaxation.
  • Positions the patient within t e CT systems, monitors patient during all phases of appropriate examinations(s) and removes patient from the respected system(s) upon completion Of the data and/or imaging acquisition(s).
  • Reviews history in CPRS for allergies.
  • Obtains venous access for contrast injection.
  • Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table.
  • Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures.
  • Reports equipment failure to supervisor/appropriate staff.
  • Prepares oral and injectable contrast and other chemical mixtures as necessary.
  • Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures.
  • Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events. Monitors patient vital signs.
  • Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and for quality improvement activities of the Radiology Department.
  • Reviews each scan for complete.
  • Administer contrast material, under the direction of the radiologist, according to protocols.
  • Check and make minor adjustments to equipment.
  • Maximize patient throughput y contacts with secretaries, nursing personnel, etc.
  • Maintain a clean work area an adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms at all times.
  • Practice hospital safety, radiation safety, infection control and universal precautions at all times in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental procedures.
  • The incumbent maintains the cassettes/plates/workstations (i.e.: primary/secondary plate erase, cleanliness Of QA stations, etc. as directed by the manufacturer. Provide education to patients and their families on Imaging procedures.
  • Reports obvious abnormalities to radiologist before patient leaves department.
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)
  • Reviews request for appropriateness before performing exams.
  • Incumbent uses appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, interviews the patient, reviews the patient chart or contacts the ordering clinician as needed for clarification.
  • Receives patients and ensures proper identification.
  • Provides patient education.
  • Continually assesses the condition and the needs of the patients to ensure patient safety, comfort and privacy.
  • Performs the full spectrum of radiographic exams.
  • Utilizes textbooks and radiologist to perform exams requiring specialized or modified techniques.
  • Processes images by using Computer radiography, including specific exposure requirements, and digital post-processing techniques to optimize image quality.
  • Demonstrates fundamental knowledge of the DR network and interface with the VISTA imaging and PACs and contingency procedures for manually entering patient demographics and routing images.
  • Ensure compliance with infection control standards and practices.
  • Supports maintenance of inventory supplies, ensuring that outdated, damaged or otherwise unusable items are discarded.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:45am -4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 61234F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.
• 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.
• 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).
  • Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. 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. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
  • Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

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: GS-10
The Computed Tomography specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician.

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
• 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. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:
  • Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
  • 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.
  • Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
  • 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.