Qualifications

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 2 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)
• 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)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)
• This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging
• The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter
• The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body
• The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged
• This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties
• Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS
• DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification
• Grade Determinations: GS-11 Experience
• Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
• The technologist functions as a lead technologist for a group of DRTs at the GS-10 level and below
• The technologist performs a full range of general radiologic treatment procedures and possesses broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area
• The technologist is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Skill in directing on-the-job training for employees
• *Ability to evaluate work performance of lower level employees and recommend performance ratings
• *Skill in technical planning and oversight to set and adjust work priorities, and [ensure] that work requirements are met based on employee capabilities
• Ability to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, including knowledge of growth and development
• *Knowledge of medical center, VHA, and government-wide human resources management regulations, policies, and procedures
• Preferred Experience: Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO) certification The full performance level of this vacancy is 11
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Lifting up to 40 lbs, light carrying under 20 lbs, ability to reposition patients, use of fingers and both hands required, walking 2 hours, standing 2 hours, both eyes required for depth perception, ability to distinguish shades of color, hearing (aid permitted), emotional and mental stability, near and far vision of 20/40 or better (corrective lenses permitted)
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls
• Stand for long periods of time See details of objects that are less than a few feet away
• Understand the speech of another person
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving
• Determine the distance between objects
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving
• Determine the distance between objects
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls
• Stand for long periods of time See details of objects that are less than a few feet away
• Understand the speech of another person
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.