Career Center

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. 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.

Qualifications

**This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until May 9 -2025. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 12/27/2025. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.**

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) - and 7407(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) - 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)
• Grade Requirements: Computed Tomography (CT)
• This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or - multi-slice computer tomography - inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans - including drainages - biopsies - and peripheral vascular examinations
• The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location - appearance - and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination
• to interpret the examination request accurately
• to understand the functioning and inter relationship of the various organs
• to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor - or on film - and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician
• DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08 directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
• Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently
• DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level - clinical instruction - and basic QM type duties within the program
• Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment - the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge - skills - and abilities to perform at this level
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs
• 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: 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 a the level
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: This employee functions in direct patient care
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) work requires long periods of standing and/or walking up to 8 hours
• There is repeated bending - pushing/pulling - reaching above shoulders - use of both hands (hands and fingers) - twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes - grids - as well as wearing lead aprons
• Movement and manipulation of moderately heavy equipment - which is generally power assisted - such as portable machines - hospital beds - gurneys - wheelchairs - and patent lift equipment
• Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions
• Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients to be done with assistance from other employees and various Safe Patient Handling & Mobility devices (i.e
• EZ-MAT - overhead lifts - slider boards - etc.) provided by the Radiology Section
• Near vision correctable at 13 inches to 16 inches to Jaeger 1 - 4 and far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other is acceptable
• Hearing aids are permitted.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf The Department of Veterans Affairs - Salt Lake City Medical Center (VA-SLC) in Utah is a level 1A state-of- the art patient care facility with comprehensive and complex radiographic and imaging programs
• SLCVAMC with multiple Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) - providing tertiary care in Medicine - Surgery - Neurology - Mental Health - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - ER Medicine - Surgical and Medical Subspecialties
• Capable of performing routine and complex CT examinations - as well as a basic understanding of human anatomy - physiology - pathology - and medical terminology
• Perform peripheral - visceral - and cerebral angiography using bolus tracking - cardiac gating (prospective and retrospective gating techniques)
• Well-developed time management and organizational skills - including the ability to prioritize assignments and work within standardized operating procedures and scientific methods to achieve objectives and meet deadlines
• Work independently when required - as well as be part of the team - including accomplishing multiple tasks in a rapidly changing environment with interruptions
• General knowledge of diagnostic computerized tomography principles - procedures - views - and equipment - including some experience responding to traumas and various hospital emergencies
• Possess written and verbal communications skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences - including non-medical people
• Remain current with knowledge of imaging technology - procedures - local policies - VA Directives - TJC Compliance and pertinent guidelines
• Identify - evaluate - and resolve problems by selecting appropriate solutions from established options - to include ability to assess factors that may contraindicate a procedure
• Coordination of care with clinics and departments such as ICU - Anesthesia - Interventional Radiology - Cardiology - General Radiology - Nuclear Medicine - Emergency Department Confer with Radiologists and other clinical staff to interpret all radiology requests for accuracy - appropriateness - and assessment of protocol based on clinical indication - research of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and patient presentation
• Order Exams in the EMR - review the screening and contrast assessment forms for accuracy - employs the use of Pregnancy Screening Forms and Consent forms as required by policy - and researches all questionable information prior to initiating the exam
• Apply infection control practices for all procedure - as mandated by Medical Center and Radiology Service Infection Control policies - to include performing exams utilizing aseptic techniques - minimizing hazards associated with invasive procedures - and proper disposition of all Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) - and disposal of bodily fluids - sharps and other clean up as required
• Prepare - administer - and document the use of contrast materials - including intravascular - oral - rectal - etc
• to include appropriate first aid and emergency response measures in adverse reactions/situations
• Implement radiation safety practices such as \"As Low As Reasonably Achievable\" (ALARA) - actively participates in dose reduction and optimization processes and exercises good judgment when evaluating diagnostic quality versus artifacts and anomalies that may require repeat exposures
• Cognizant of changes in patient's appearance - signs - and symptoms of distress
• Continuously on alert for contrast allergies - IV extravasations - changes in mental statuses - patient's mobility - and abilities
• Champions Safe Patient Handling and Mobility initiatives and guidelines - to include use of patient transfer equipment/resources and advocates for others to employ safe patient handling practices
• Perform irregular hour emergency scans on standby - 24 hours per day and call coverage
• Call coverage requires 30-minute availability from receipt of call for effective emergency care
• Autonomous regulation and completion of all Talent Management System (TMS) training - Biennial Continuing Education requirements - Continuing Qualifications Requirements (ARRT CQR) - America Heart Association Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) standards
• Perform routine General Xray exams - Portables - and Fluoroscopic procedures for Anesthesia Pain Clinic when needed
• Work Schedule: Rotating shift - on-call - days - evenings - nights - and weekends
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact Michael.Campbell6@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 56795A GS-9 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized