Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - CT/X-RAY

This position is located in the Diagnostic Imaging Service Line at the Castle Point VA Medical Center in Wappingers Falls. This position functions as a diagnostic radiologic technologist for the Radiology Department. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at this grade level are to be qualified to provide diagnostic radiologic services, including x-ray radiology and computerized tomography (CT).

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM
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Major Duties

• Perform computerized tomography and magnetic resonance images of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body with and without the use of contrast materials.
• Prepare and administers contrast materials when needed for exams.
• Perform image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study. Maintains proficiency on reconstruction techniques.
• Practice MRI safety to avoid incidents to patients, staff, and self. This is achieved using patients and employees screening procedures prior to entering the MRI environment.
• Maintain records and files of exams performed on patients.
• Continually review new developments in the field of computerized tomography and is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available.
• Perform scheduled Quality Control scans and measurements as indicated by computed tomography vendor.
• Ensure that images are successfully transmitted to PACS and are available for Radiologic interpretation.
• Perform all exams using Universal Precautions.
• Properly identifies patient images so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur.
• Assure that procedure rooms are always stocked with necessary supplies with special attention to emergent equipment and supplies.
• Perform digital radiography examinations of the entire body while ensuring that patients are properly attired and prepared before positioning them for requested examination.
• Identify patient images using left and right markers, or any other applicable positioning indicator depending on the examination.
• Perform dual-energy axial absorptiometry (DEXA) as ordered by providers for the evaluation of degenerative osteoporotic disease
• Perform fluoroscopic examinations which includes but not limited to, barium swallow, Esophagram, upper GI, small bowel series, barium enemas.
• Perform fluoroscopic examinations with the use of a C-Arm in the operating room including but not limited to, pain management procedures, implantable device image guidance, ORIF, and general abdominal surgery.
• Perform regular scheduled quality control images and measurements as indicated by radiography equipment vendor.
• Perform other administrative and imaging duties in which they are trained and competent, as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Various Shifts
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Functional Statement #: 14174F

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States.

Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).Advanced certification in Computed Tomography is REQUIRED for this position.

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).

General Radiologic Technology (R). DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals 3 or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).

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 4 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.

Credentialing Standards.

Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.

Grade Determinations:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10

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.

Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the 10 incumbent at least 25% of the time.

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:

i. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
ii. 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.
iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
iv. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All 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.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.