Skip to main content
U.S. flag

Diagnostic Radiologic Technician (Computed Tomography)

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Martinsburg WV VA Medical Center
This job announcement has closed

Summary

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. Learn more

Overview

Help
Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
09/22/2022 to 10/17/2022
Salary
$61,947 to - $80,532 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9
Location
Martinsburg, WV
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
9
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CBFF-1652292-22-WFJ
Control number
678974700

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (including the facility and CBOCs where this vacancy is located) serving on career/career-conditional appointments and past, current, upcoming VHA Health Professional Trainee eligible (HPT).

Videos

Duties

Help

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) independently perform diagnostic radiography and CT procedures in order to achieve proper diagnosis and treatment. The selectee will be responsible for scheduling patients for examinations, evaluating the nature of critical and emergency procedures, and rearranging patient schedules to accommodate these procedures. This is a dual-modality position that is subject to on-call, rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays in order to meet clinic needs.

Computed Tomography (CT). This 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. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.]

Duties include but are not limited to:

- Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians
- Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as
appropriate
- Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table
- Prepare rooms, equipment and material needed for patient procedures
- Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left and right markers.
- Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing
exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVF, cryptograms, cholangiograms, fistulagrams and
arthography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. In the case of
injected media, a patient consent form must be obtained. These procedures require the use of
needles, syringes, barium, enema bags and drinking cups.
- Process images using CR or DR digital systems
- Administer contrast material, under the direction of the radiologist, according to protocols.
- Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc.
- Maintain a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within their assigned work areas at all
times
· - Provide clinical instruction to student radiographers from affiliated programs and facilitates
the attainment of established program objectives
- Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by
the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. The technicians
to assure compliance to radiation regulations wear film badges. The incumbent must also be
aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality
assurance activities as directed
- The incumbent is responsible for the quality assurance of the image
- The incumbent assists house staff in use of PA Cs viewing stations and system and can also
digitize films for the network and/or transmission to off site locations
- The incumbent maintains the cassettes/plates/workstations (i.e.: primary/secondary plate erase,
cleanliness of QA stations, etc.) as directed by the manufacturer
- Performs as technologist in charge evening, nights or weekend shifts.
- Provide education to patients and their families on Imaging procedures
- Performs clerical and file room duties related to patient care.
- Incumbent schedules outpatient clinic appointment using Veterans Health Information Systems
and Technology Architecture (Vista) scheduling options. Uses established business rules to
schedule appointments for veterans, and enters administrative notes in the Computerized Patient
Records System (CPRS). This includes clinic visits, consultations and entries into the Electronic
Wait List (EWL). Incumbent complies with mandatory training requirements for the outpatient
scheduling process.
- Will participate in on-call to provide 24 hour, 7 day a week Surgical and back-up coverage.
Other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Variable as to the needs of the service
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
EDRP Authorized: Please contact the EDRP Coordinator Kendra Broughton at Kendra.Broughton@va.gov for questions.
Recruitment Incentives: Yes- Authorized according to agency policy
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Help

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.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • 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).
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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.

NOTE: This applies to the past, current, and upcoming VA Health Professional Trainees (HPT) only. HPT is an individual appointed to temporary positions in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experiences to satisfy program or degree requirements or receiving VA Health Professional Scholarship Program. HPTs can be either VA-paid or Without Compensation (WOC).

Basic Requirements: The following are the basic requirements for appointment as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). These requirements apply to all VHA DRTs in the GS-0647 series.

  • 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), 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.]. (COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED: If you do not submit a copy of the certification, your application may not be reviewed.)
  • 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).] (UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED: If you do not submit your transcript, your application may not be reviewed.)
  • English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Policy.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements of employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
  • Creditable Experience: 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. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.
GS-09 DRT - Experience: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  1. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures;
  2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers;
  3. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure;
  4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography;
  5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions; and
  6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.
NOTE: All KSAs must be addressed in your resume. If all not addressed, you will be found ineligible.

References: VA Handbook 5005/77 Part II Appendix G25. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, GS-647. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.

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.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan reimbursement program. To participate in the program, you must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA Policy 1021 and submit your application within four months of appointment. The final award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office. Please contact the EDRP Coordinator at: Kendra.Broughton@va.gov for questions.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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, résumé, 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.

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.