Career Center

Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) performs routine to moderately complex Computed Tomography examination procedures. 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.

Qualifications

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)
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d) Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 Experience
• At least one full year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08 - 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 KSAs: Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• 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 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Preferred Experience: Two years (2) Computed Tomography experience The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09
• Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Duties may include: Establishes workflow of CT schedule in a manner to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as accommodate emergency patients who may need immediate surgery - among other tasks
• Confers with radiologists to determine the requirement of non-standard exams
• Determines technical factors - positioning - number - and thickness of scans - etc. - to produce and satisfy the requirements of CT scanning
• Schedules patients for examinations
• Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention
• Performs CT angiography - including run-offs and pulmonary embolus studies
• These studies require the use of power injectors and image reconstruction post-image acquisition
• Assists with performance of CT biopsies utilizing surgical sterile techniques
• Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT
• Performs quality control on the CT scanner as required
• Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• This includes maintaining patient log registration and editing patient exams in the computerized information system
• Properly identifies patient images
• cases out in Vista/transfers CT images to PACS and marks as reviewed for radiologist reporting of CT study Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done - as well as any adverse reactions - if any - that may occur
• Responsible for stocking and inventory of all CT supplies and related materials
• Must report equipment malfunctions promptly to the supervisor and enter an electronic work order to Biomedical Engineering for repair
• Performs irregular-hour emergency scans on-call when necessary
• Requires the technologist to be available within 60 minutes of receiving the call - so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient
• May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography
• It is continually on the alert to improve the quality of exams by utilizing the latest available technologies
• The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes
• Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30pm - on-call Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 512-24244-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized