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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) Near Chillicothe, OH

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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• 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).
• 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.
• Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

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:
To qualify for the GS-5 grade level, None beyond the basic requirements.

To qualify for the GS-6 grade level
Experience/Education: 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., one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
• Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
• Ability to learn basic computer functions.

To qualify for the GS-7 grade level
Experience/Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures.
• Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
• Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

To qualify for the GS-8 grade level
Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
• Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

To qualify for the GS-9 grade level
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.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

• *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 interrelationship 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 aspect of interest to the physician. (CT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (CT) certification.)

References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part 2, Appendix G2

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs. Patient mental status and physical habitus will require the incumbent to be able to assist patients during transfer that is required of examinations. Specific vision abilities required by this job function include but not limited are close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities:

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Performs all Computerized Tomography and general Radiography protocols with and without the use of contrast materials.
• Advises Radiologists or referring physicians of examination results when necessary; notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention.
• Ensures quality and quantity of radiographic exams are performed in order to assure a high level or acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.
• Explains exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam.
• Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. Maintains sterility of power injector and ensures that all air has been removed prior to the injection.
• Works with the Radiologist as a member of the radiographic team; assists and anticipates the needs of the Radiologists and the performance of the exam.
• Prepares contrast materials: When these contrast materials are used /performed the technologist must know the effects and reactions to the contrast.
• Performs image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the Radiologist, or as part of a given study.
• Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and is able to make minor repairs and or adjustments.
• Must be proficient with the department's computerized Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).

Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: 10:00 a.m. - 06:30 p.m. Monday - Friday with rotating weekends and holidays.
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 0000000
EDRP Authorized: Please contact the Compensation Center of Excellence at VISN10HREDRPSLRP@va.gov
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Job Summary