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. This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) position is assigned to the White River Junction VA Healthcare System - under Diagnostic Imaging Service.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by 15 calendar days from the closing date of this announcement - 04/29/2025.

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 (ARRT) (R)
• Education
• Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program - evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree - accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English
• Grade Determinations:GS-5 DRT (Entry Level) Experience or Education
• None beyond the basic requirements
• Assignment
• DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision
• The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity
• Deviations from regular procedures - unanticipated problems - and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help
• Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area
• Such duties would be performed under closer supervision
• GS-6 DRT (Developmental Level)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
• 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 also must 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 technicians in performing more complicated examinations
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1
• Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• 2
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning 3
• Knowledge of all patient safety procedures 4
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment 5
• Ability to learn basic computer functions
• GS-7 DRT (Advanced Developmental Level)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
• Assignment
• DRTs at this level perform a substantially 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 and/or general radiologic technology services
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1
• Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system 2
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study 3
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards - minimum radiographic exposure techniques - appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area - and employing lead shielding when performing standard or fluoroscopic procedures 4
• Knowledge of the function of computed radiography - Phosphor cassettes and CR readers 5
• Knowledge of PACS - and basic computer skills
• GS-8 DRT (Full Performance Level)Experience
• At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Assignments
• Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level
• Candidates at this grade level are to be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1
• Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines 2
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed 3
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results 4
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed 5
• Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers 6
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/77 PART II APPENDIX G25 Physical Requirements: This position requires a moderate amount of physical activity working with the equipment and maneuvering patients including eye/hand coordination
• full use of arms - hands and wrists
• transporting - lifting - lowering - moving - turning heavy objects and/or patients
• standing - sitting - or reaching for extended periods of time
• Requires color vision and depth perception: must be able to differentiate subtle shades of gray on a diagnostic image
• must also respond to audio signals.

Duties

• The technologist functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity
• Deviations from regular procedures - unanticipated problems - and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help
• Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technologist for promotion to higher grades in a functional area
• Such duties would be performed under closer supervision
• The exams are performed in the department - operating room and at the bedside
• Duties may include but are not limited to: bone and joint imaging fluoroscopic procedures and portable examinations
• Receives /Interprets Radiology Requisitions: Receives Requests or instructions for procedures
• Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical house officer
• Prioritizes requisitions as to room availability - stat calls from intensive care units - emergency room and operating room
• Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physician
• Technologist may need to seek assistance of a supervisor or radiologist as to appropriateness of exam - or if unique - modified or new procedure is required
• Performs procedures in the outpatient department such as: GI Suite: Cholangiography - UGI - Barium Enema - ERCP's - diaphragmatic stability fluoroscopy - myelography - arthrography and lumbar puncture
• Somewhat independently Urology Suite: Retrogrades - cystograms - urethrocystograms - Scolosis series and Long length bone radiography Trauma radiography - Routine Radiology including skull - spine - chest - torso - extremity imaging Portable radiography - chest - abdomen - extremity in the intensive care units (SICU - MICU - CCU - PACU - ER - OR - Spinal Cord - and general wards) Operating Room Radiography: GU studies Orthopedic imaging - hips - knees - extremities
• Fluoroscopy guided procedures: stent grafts - pacer placement - porta-cath and tunnel lines Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
• Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 405-F08186/08187/08188/1568 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Notifications: This position is a AFGE Bargaining Unit position
• Travel and relocation expenses are not authorized
• This position is covered by a special rate
• Candidates who meet the qualification requirements within 15 calendar days following the closing date of the announcement will be considered
• This position is in the Excepted Service
• Drug Testing Position: 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
• Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received
• Selectee will be required to complete additional forms to proceed with employment process
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50 - (Notice of Personnel Action)
• The SF-50 must identify the position title - series - grade - step - tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted)
• In some cases - more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.