PLEASE READ THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE BEGINNING THE APPLICATION PROCESS TO ENSURE YOU SUBMIT ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. This Job Opportunity Announcement will be used to fill the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-0647-09 positions at the VA in Oklahoma City. This announcement will close on 9/30/2023 or when the position is filled. 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 Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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). Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level, that demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities GS-09. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions References: VA Handbook 5005-15, Part II, Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Able to meet the physical demands for the position, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must have a good manual dexterity. Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken or written word. Must be able to view and read information on computer screens. ["Completion of one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled and has undergone a two year approved training program and is ARRT certified in MRI. Requires additional knowledge of super conducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they related to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must have specific specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter into. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radiofrequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in Computerized Radiography (CR) and Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS). Thorough knowledge of radiation standards and protective devices and their uses for personnel and patients, to include non-ferrous equipment or other functioning equipment which could be injurious mechanically or radiation wise to patients and personnel. Must have the ability to deviate equipment use or procedures and techniques in the event of mechanical failures to any part of equipment. Thorough knowledge of skeletal, vascular, neurological, and trans-sectional anatomy. Knowledge of physiology and cross-sectional anatomy such as the location and appearance of abnormalities which are illustrated by general diagnostic/MRI scanning; to recognize scans/images which best illustrate lesions and/or abnormalities; and to recognize when additional scans/images or different scans/images or positions are needed to fully illustrate the lesion and/or abnormalities. Knowledge of techniques pertinent to general diagnostic/MRI to insure high resolution scans, tissue volume to be scanned plus thickness of cuts. Ability to logically interpret radiology requests and patient chart information, and correlate information with patients' current physical status, relating information as indicated. Knowledge of basic psychology for handling patients in all phases of general diagnostic/MRI including critical care, trauma, apprehensive, and disoriented patients, and also to cope with patients' families. Ability to function with all types of personnel as a team member and to think and act independently under extreme pressure. Knowledge of first-aid procedures for seizures, cardiac arrest, anaphalactic shock, and contrast reactions. Ability to perform artificial respiration and CPR. Minimum knowledge of basic pharmacology. Knowledge of basic nursing procedures relative to radiology aseptic and/or sterile procedures, and decontamination procedures in the event of a contaminated field, room and or an isolation patient. Knowledge of general diagnostic/MRI technical exposure factors and programming, with the ability to individually review images for quality control determinations by checking density, contrast, distortion and other varying factors. Knowledge of computer functions as related to general diagnostic/MRI scanning, disc storage and use, maintenance of workstation computer files, machine warm up and calibration procedures, limited preventive maintenance to general diagnostic/MRI scanning unit and computer components for emergency trouble shooting. Knowledge of basic computer operations including limited programming functions, keyboard inputs, purpose and functions, or computer programs needed to carry out other job duties. Accuracy, skill and speed in work are essential to providing these quality images in a fast paced setting. Radiographer is required to maintain a current knowledge of new developments in MRI/general diagnostic. Practices MRI safety in order to protect patients, staff and self. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the medical center and service, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Continually review new developments in MRI and general imaging in order to provide physicians and patients with the best possible examination. Prepares contrast materials which are used in MRI and general diagnostic studies. Improper use or administration of contrast increase adverse events for patients. This explains the magnitude of importance to understand the usage of contrast agents. The technologist must be continuously on alert to the patient's condition and other disorders that increase risk. Patient reactions require immediate attention to decrease harm to the patient. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 3:00pm - 11:00pm. Functional Statement #: FS-52733-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for the highly qualified applicants. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
