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. Learn more 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. Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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 and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred Experience: 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. 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-9. 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 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) reports to the Radiology service at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, LA. The DRT (Ultrasound) operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance of diagnostic and interventional ultrasound procedures at the VA Shreveport Healthcare System. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic images to ensure that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. Duties include but not limited to: Selects proper technical factors in scanning planes necessary for accurate portrayal of information so that each organ or system under study may be optimized in the imaging process. 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. Properly identifies patient by asking patient full name and full Social security number, asking patient for Identification card, or checking identification wristband. Receives patients and explains procedure methods. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Positions patients for procedure and looks after needs of patient while undergoing examination. Operation of complex ultrasound equipment pertinent to the study including B mode, Doppler, real-time, with proper transducer selection and equipment control manipulation of amplitude which will be varied by the technologist in accordance with the body part, pathology, and structure under study and is solely recognized and manipulated by the technologist as an impending factor upon the validity of the study. Constant initial interpretation of sonographic imaging studies while this data is being generated so that the equipment operator may utilize their knowledge skill and ability to determine proper equipment settings, proper body positioning, and proper probe positioning to achieve specific diagnostic results. Consults, coordinates, and updates any information necessary with the lead or chief technologist and scheduling staff to plan organize and coordinate patient care studies. Utilizes the DHCP Radiology package to account for any and all procedures performed by the employee. Assist in preparation of procedure manuals and assist in devising/modifying procedures as necessary. Assist physicians and other employees in the development and execution of research protocols and maintaining the records as necessary to validate the research or training projector funding grant. Assist and develop training programs for new ultra-sonographers, physicians in training, and general clinical employees Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4: 30 pm. On-call may be required. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 667-00119-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be considered for highly qualified applicants. EDRP Authorized: Contact Robert Knudsen, robert.knudsen@va.gov or Cassandra Tramiel cassandra.tramiel@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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