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
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
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
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-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - CT In addition to the basic requirements, the following is required
Experience
At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
Certification
Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT)
KSAs
The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i
*Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
ii
Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers
iii
*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
iv
Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
v
Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
vi
Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients
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-9. Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and walking
There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles such as film cassettes for rapid film changers
Patients sometimes are assisted to achieve proper positioning which may require reaching or work in strained positions
The work area is well lighted, heated, and ventilated
Special safety precautions are required to reduce exposure to x-rays
These include using minimum current settings in the x-ray machine and never operating the machine except from behind a protective screen or when wearing protective clothing such as a lead apron.
