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. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
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 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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. 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). 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: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: 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. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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 Preferred experience: Bone density examination experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. This announcement is for a GS-09 position, which is above the full performance level. Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and physical exertion. The incumbent will lift and bend frequently to position patients for testing. Reaching and stretching is required to set up equipment, pushing and pulling. ambulatory equipment is necessary between patient care areas. He/she will also be required to walk long distances between testing areas. Dexterity is required. All the above physical demands must be performed while wearing. approved radiation safety equipment.
1. Obtains images of sufficiently high quality most useful to the interpreting radiologist. The incumbent must evaluate the patient body habitus based on the patient's age, size, condition of skin (placing markers if indicated), position limiting disabilities and previous breast augmentation or surgeries to determine proper exposure technique settings. The incumbent must also evaluate the patient to determine the most effective method of communication with the patient. 2. Positions patients accurately, applying knowledge of anatomy and imaging equipment to provide optimal visualization. Incorporates equipment components to obtain all required visualization, including angulations, compression paddles, and manipulation of imaging factors. 3. Performs diagnostic mammograms on patients with identified breast problems. Performs additional mammographic projections from protocol or direction from Radiologist. This procedure requires extensive knowledge of special projections and non-standard patient positioning that is essential to resolve identified problems. 4. Must recognize and accommodate for patients with post radiation changes, as well as patients who have undergone mastectomies. 5. Identifies patients using two patient identifiers in accordance with hospital policy. 6. The incumbent assists with interventional breast biopsy exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed, knowledge of supplies, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment. Incumbent will work with the radiologist/ Updated 1/2024 physician as a member of the surgical /mammography team. 7. Interventional breast procedures performed may include, but are not limited to, biopsies, localizations, aspirations, ductograms, and contrast studies. 8. Confirms doctor's orders and checks patient identification. Discusses procedures with patient and verifies that patient does not have allergies. Provides the patient with procedure instructions and positions the patient appropriately for the exam to be performed. 9. Reviews previous breast imaging examinations and medical history and provides patient education prior to the ultrasound procedure. 10. Positions patients accurately, applying knowledge of anatomy and sonography equipment, to provide optimal visualization for the sonographer and/or radiologist. 11. Performs general x-ray examinations. 12. Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact David.BillingsleyJR@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Functional Statement #: PD60678A