Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography)

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. Program 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.

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, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT).
• 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
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-09, you must possess 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. AND,

Assignments: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:

(Computed Tomography (CT): Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs below.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.

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

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Responsibilities:

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM
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Diagnostic Radiologic Tech (CT) duties include:

• General Radiologic Technology (R). DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of Lead Technologists and Imaging Manager.
• The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by radiologists to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body.
• They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with Federal regulations.
• All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).
• The technologist properly identifies patient by using full name and full social security number, date of birth and/or hospital name band.

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, cardiac CTAs 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 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.
• The technologist performs Interventional CT biopsy exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays, knowledge of supplies and specific locations, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment.
• The technologist prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT, to include CT Angiography and other exams. This specialty requires knowledge of I STAT procedures and insert IV needles for administration of contrast material.
• The technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self.
• The technologist works with CT schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-today adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments.
• Optimizes scan times while maintaining flexibility for emergent cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergent patient. Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc.
• DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification in computed tomography (CT) to work independently.

Quality and Safety for Imaging:

• The technologist performs daily inspection of radiographic units to ensure proper mechanical functionality as assigned by leadership.
• The technologists must be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.
• Technologist must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner through the vhabuf 114 equipment email group or nursing supervisor on non- administrative hours if patient care is impacted, so as proper attention is ensured to maintain the integrity of the equipment.
• The technologist complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations, using protective equipment when required and provided. Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace.
• Attends scheduled training sessions and participates in facility or service-level safety promotions as directed by supervisor.
• Knows fire drill and emergency plans for work area, including location of all emergency fire equipment.

Note: The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform additional tasks as necessitated by the supervisor or designee.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) at this level will perform duties independently.

Work Schedule: Variable Tour of Duty - Days with a shared weekend rotation and on call responsibilities.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 21U41-A
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Salary : $77,994 - $200,000