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
• [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 2 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)
• 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-6 1
• Experience or Education
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• (2) Assignment
• Employees at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs, performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature
• They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards
• They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment
• DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations
• (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning
• (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures
• (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment
• (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions GS-7 1
• Experience or Education
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled
• (2) Assignment
• DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues
• Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology 8 and/or general radiologic technology services
• (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (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 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
• (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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 8
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 6 to 8
• Physical Requirements: 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.