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
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d)
• 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
• 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-06: 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs in the resume: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning
• Knowledge of all patient safety procedures
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment
• Ability to learn basic computer functions
• GS-07: 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs in the resume: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study
• 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
• Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems
• Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills
• GS-08: Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Demonstrate Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs in the resume: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to adjust as needed
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results
• Ability to monitor patient's physiological changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• Preferred Experience: One year of related experience to duties listed in duties section above
• 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-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 6, 7, or 8
• Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds
• Light carrying, under 15 pounds
• straight pulling (2 hours)
• pushing ( 4 hours)
• reaching above shoulders
• use of fingers
• both hands required
• walking (4 hours)
• standing (4 hours)
• kneeling (2 hours)
• repeated bending ( 2 hours)
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
• both eyes required
• hearing (aid maybe permitted)
• hearing without aid
• mental and emotional stability.