Summary

The Radiologic Technologist is responsible for performing a wide range of specialized diagnostic and interventional procedures - primarily supporting the Cardiac Cath Lab and providing some cross coverage of Interventional Radiology services within the medical center. This multifaceted role requires expertise in advanced imaging - sterile technique - and operation of specialized equipment.

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).] 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)
• Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title - series and grade held - including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation
• For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard - but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it - the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification - may be reassigned - promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level - or changed to lower grade within the occupation - but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
• (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels
• (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed - on a temporary or permanent basis - until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard
• (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation - who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation
• (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT
• Grade Determinations: GS-10 Experience.: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 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
• DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: 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: i
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes
• ii
• 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
• iii
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
• iv
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies
• Preferred Experience: Cardiac Cath Lab experience
• 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-10
• Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity - keen hearing - clear distinctive speech - and manual dexterity
• This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking - standing - stooping - sitting - bending - pulling - and pushing
• Transferring patients and objects may be required
• The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures
• The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium - dementia - or psychiatric disorders
• The incumbent must be a mature - flexible - sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations - able to shift priorities based on patient needs
• Must complete annual Employee Health requirements - such as annual TB screening or testing - as a condition of employment.

Duties

• Major duties include but not limited to: Diagnostic & Interventional Procedures: Performs special procedure radiographic examinations including - but not limited to: Cardiac catheterizations Percutaneous coronary interventions & stent placement Coronary flow evaluation Electrophysiology studies and radiofrequency ablation Pacemaker and automatic cardioverter-defibrillator implantation Swan-Ganz catheter placement Pericardiocentesis Renal - carotid - iliac - visceral - and peripheral angiography/interventions Venograms Paracentesis and thoracentesis Procedures in fixed suites - operating rooms - and other procedural areas Procedural Support: Employs sterile scrub-in techniques to directly assist proceduralists during basic and complex procedures
• Assisting with preprocedural and post procedure care of patients Circulating cases and operation of imaging equipment
• Physiological monitoring of patients Responsible for following facility infection control compliance Imaging & Archiving: Proficient in operation of fixed Cath lab and Interventional imaging equipment - Portable C-arms - and diagnostic X-ray imaging equipment and responsible for utilizing imaging systems including PACS for archiving and communication
• Cath Lab Support: Performs duties specific to the Cardiac Catheterization Suite - including: Diagnostic cardiac catheterizations Balloon angioplasties Electrophysiology studies Ensure supplies are available and stocked in rooms
• Equipment Preparation & Operation: Sets up sterile trays and prepares power injectors - sterile supplies - and equipment Operates medical equipment such as but not limited to: Video and imaging systems PACS archiving Contrast media injectors EKG recorders & pressure transducers Intra-aortic balloon pumps & intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Flow wires (FFR) Portable monitors - oxygen - and suction equipment Defibrillators - electrosurgical units - and cautery devices On-Call Coverage: Provides on-call support as a key member of the Interventional Radiology Team
• Note: The technologist must consistently adhere to sterile techniques - safety protocols - and utilize clinical judgments to ensure optimal patient outcomes
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 40945A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized - a recruitment incentive MAY be paid to a Highly Qualified candidate
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized