Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography)

This position is located at the PVAHCS, Phoenix, AZ facility in the Diagnostic Imaging Service Line. The CT Technologist has the overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of the computed tomography section. He/she works closely with other CT Technologists, Radiologists, Clinicians and Clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic exam results, and patient satisfaction.

EDUCATION: Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ .

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical.

Register/Status track exams in Vista (Radiology package).

Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc.

Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical.

Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table.

Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures.

Prepares oral and injectable contrast (IV contrast for injector).

Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures.

Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events.

Performs daily maintenance of head and body phantoms.

Administer contrast material, completes forms (Patient Information Sheet, Consent form) under the direction of the radiologist, according to protocols.

Check and make minor adjustments to equipment as needed/reports major problems/concerns to supervisor.

Maintain a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms at all times, utilizing Omni Cells.

Maintains CPR certification, proficiency with the use of defibrillators.

Assist Radiologist in the less complex fluoroscopic examinations.

Performs examinations of the head, trunk and extremities for routine examinations and for diagnosis of illness and/or injuries of accident victims.

Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.

Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. The technologists to assure compliance to radiation regulations will wear film badges. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center, Imaging Service, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.

Performs basic monitoring practices (BP, placement of EKG leads, O2, Pulse Oximetry, ProPac, sterile technique) related to radiography including emergency cardiac arrest procedures (CPR). - Maintains proficiencies with the operations of the defibrillators.

The incumbent is responsible for the quality assurance of the images (positioning/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PAC's network. The incumbent assists house staff in use of VISTA/IMAGING and transmits images to off site location for after hour reads.

Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service Care Line due to incapacity or surgical procedures. Using portable/fixed x-ray units and mobile/fixed imaging intensifier units to achieve these exams.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 30 Day Hiring Model

The Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection. This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination, faster assessments, and efficient pre-employment actions. Applicants can expect a more transparent, predictable, and efficient hiring journey from announcement to entry on duty.

What Applicants Can Expect

Expedited Candidate Review Once the announcement closes, Human Resources will quickly review applications, issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration.

Quick Interviews & References

HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager.

Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements: Following a tentative offer, applicants should be prepared to complete required steps, such as fingerprinting and background check, credentialing, and medical examination within 3 days of the offer.

Clear and Timely Communication: Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones, including referral, tentative offer, and onboarding instructions.

After meeting pre-employment requirements, candidates will receive a final job offer and start date. Onboarding tasks may continue after starting, with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service. If selected, applicants should be prepared to come onboard within 30 days of the announcement closing.

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM

Work Schedule : Monday - Thursday, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

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 # : 00000

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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.

Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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).

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 Determination, GS-09 :

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: 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.

Preferred Experience: Must have a general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R) and Advanced ARRT CT registry.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ .

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.

Physical Requirements: Light to Moderate lifting and carrying, up to 44 pounds; straight pulling; reaching above shoulders; use of both hands and fingers required; walking, standing; crawling; kneeling; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted). SALARY: QuantitativeValue EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Other

Salary : $417