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. [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).]
- English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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).
Grade Determinations:
GS-10:
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:
- Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
- 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.
- Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
- Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.]
Preferred Experience: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) primary function is to operate highly complex computerized imaging equipment that uses superconducting magnet and radio frequencies to acquire diagnostic images used in the diagnosis of patient medical disorders. This requires knowledge and understanding of superconducting magnet physics and radio frequencies on how it relates to production of medical images and patient safety. The incumbent is an expert in performing MRI examinations safely with the use of RF surface coils in acquiring axial, coronal, sagittal and dynamic blood flow studies of the head and/or body. Incumbent needs specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and how it relates to soft tissues and vessels of the human body. Performs the technical functions related to MRI procedures such as: examinations of chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, extremities, neck, entire, spine, angiography (MRA) of head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, upper and lower extremity. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment for patients, visitors, and
equipment as recommended by American College of Radiology (ACR). Determines technical factors, positioning, scanning parameter selections, slice thickness, protocol adjustment, etc., to produce high quality MR images. Technologists must be knowledgeable with the use of contrast media, power injectors, and monitoring equipment. Required to perform magnetic resonance safety duties.
References: APPENDIX G25. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD, VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II. December 13, 2019.
Physical Requirements: Physical demands are usually moderate: Lifting objects up to 40 pounds, moving specialized equipment and assisting patients from gurney or wheelchair to a procedure or scan table. Occasionally, the technician assists with moving large patients, but this is done with the assistance of other personnel, or the use of patient lifts, or other safe patient handling equipment to minimize danger to employee and the patient.