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. 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. 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).] NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] (1) 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. Grandfathering Provision. 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: Advanced 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, 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: Posses ARDMS Vascular Ultrasound Technologist Certification; Possess ARDMS Registered Ultrasound Technologist Certification; Minimum of two years experience with general and vascular ultrasound scanning; Minimum of three years of experience with General Radiology; High level of computer skill for accessing, receiving, sending, and manipulating data when required; Resolves patient complaints without the intervention of a Supervisor; Is self-directed and self-managed without Supervisor intervention. References: December 13, 2019 VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: To perform in a fully successful manner. the individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require lifting. standing, bending, transferring. stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, or pulling without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other. A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy. There will be exposure to blood and body fluids. ["This is an open continuous posting and may close before the listed closing date. A certificate will be issued every 15 days until a selection is made. The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Diagnostic Ultrasound) reports to Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, LA. The Adv Diag Rad Tech (Diag Ulsd) unique responsibilities for performing a broad range of ultrasonography procedures including complex vascular, musculoskeletal (MSK), abdominal, OB/GYN, small parts, duplex Doppler studies, hemodynamics, and doppler color flow localization studies. Collaborates and serves as the subject matter expert in Vascular procedures to the physicians aiding for guided invasive procedures and experience managing the technical and procedural aspects in the Ultrasound specialization. The incumbent also has the responsibility for performing a full range of diagnostic radiological procedures including complex venography studies, invasive procedures, pain management, bone, chest, and fluoroscopic studies. The position is responsible for Quality Management. Duties include but not limited to: Conventional Studies - Pulse Volume Recordings (upper and lower extremities) and Segmental Arterial Pressures (upper and lower extremities); Color Flow Duplex Ultrasound Evaluations -renal doppler, vein mapping, graft survey, Pseudoaneurysm evaluation, A-V fistula evaluation, Venous color flow duplex ultrasound, Carotid color flow duplex ultrasound; Performs complex vascular examinations with full knowledge of cross sectional and longitudinal anatomy for normal and abnormal vessels such as carotid arteries, peripheral arterial and venous system; Assist vascular surgeon for diagnosis and sonographic guidance during invasive procedures with highly specialized equipment in OR setting that is remote from interpreting radiologist; Recognizes aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, thromboses, stenosis, occlusions, AV fistula, portal-systemic shunts and plaque formations; Performs diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum; performs vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc.; assists radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled; assists in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations; Utilizes scanning and radiological equipment to its maximum potential with recognition of the limitation of such so that new positions or protocols may be developed to optimize the diagnostic examination; Performs ultrasonic imaging studies for visualization and determination of organ position, form, structure, pathology, and localization possesses. These studies will include the examinations of the abdominal structures; studies of chest structures; studies of pre and post organ transplant duplex/color Doppler evaluation; studies of the vascular system, studies of the retroperitoneal structures; gynecological structures as well as any new protocols designed to study body parts by employment of this equipment; Coordinates/communicates equipment service and preventative maintenance schedule/QM program. Collaborates with physicists and/or technical service personnel to determine corrective action if needed. Participates in monthly staff meetings. Participates in new product review and evaluation; Actively participates in the departmental Quality Improvement Plan. Oversees technical quality standards. Participates in formal and informal process improvement and problem solving to enhance the quality of service to customers. Collects data to support the measurement and tracking components of quality management; Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 667-00167-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be considered for highly qualified candidates. EDRP Authorized: Contact : Robert Knudsen, robert.knudsen@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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.
