Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist

All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience in your application package may result in disqualification. All applicants are encouraged to submit responses to each Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) on a separate document.

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.
• Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a program in therapeutic radiologic technology, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's or higher degree accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or other accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the subsequent completion of a 12-month ED accrediting body-approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology.
  • Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R. Part 75. They must have successfully completed an educational program meeting or exceeding the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the ED, and be radiation therapists certified by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (T).
• Certification. All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)).
  • Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for TRT certification may be given a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (a)(1)(B) for up to one year at the entry level only as a graduate TRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (c)(2)(B).
  • Graduate TRTs may only be appointed at the entry grade level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained.
  • Temporary graduate TRT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment.
  • Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, TRTs must actively pursue meeting the requirements for certification starting from the date of their appointment. Failure to become certified within one year from the date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0648 TRT series and may result in termination of employment.
• Loss of Certification. Once certified, a TRT who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment.

Grade Determinations:

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, GS-6

• Experience. None above the basic requirements.

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below:
  • Knowledge to set-up the treatment room to deliver basic and some complex radiation treatments on a linear accelerator, as prescribed by the radiation oncologist.
  • Knowledge of machine warm up procedures for interpreting output levels compared with established thresholds and radiation safety principles.
  • Ability to perform patient chart reviews using an electronic medical record and using the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems.
  • Knowledge of operating computed tomography (CT) Simulator to preform simulations that is demonstrated by following directives, designing custom immobilization for reproducible set-ups, obtaining optimal imaging, and completing accurate and precise patient documentation.
  • Skill in communicating all aspects of patient care with the radiation oncology team.
  • Knowledge of utilizing an on-board imaging system (i.e., Linac's or comparable system) to interpret the images.
  • Skill in performing radiation safety practices including when to report discrepancies and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, quality standards, accrediting agencies, policies and department standard operating procedures.

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities/core competencies described at that level.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below:
  • Skill in setting up the treatment room to deliver basic and some complex radiation treatments on a linear accelerator, as prescribed by the radiation oncologist.
  • Ability to perform machine warm up procedures and interpret output levels compared with established thresholds and radiation safety principles.
  • Ability to perform moderately complex patient chart reviews by using the electronic medical record and the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems.
  • Ability to operate the CT Simulator to perform simulations, design custom immobilization for reproducible set-ups, obtain optimal imaging and provide accurate and precise patient documentation.

Therapeutic 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.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below:
  • Skill in independently setting up the patient in preparation for basic and complex radiation treatments on a linear accelerator, as prescribed by the radiation oncologist.
  • Skill in independently performing machine warm-up procedures to interpret output levels compared with established thresholds adhering to the principles of radiation safety and all aspects of quality assurance.
  • Skill to independently perform patient chart reviews and effectively document records utilizing an electronic medical records system and the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems

References: VA Handbook 5005/137 Part II Appendix G26

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-9

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.