Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography)

Summary Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist independently performs routine to moderately complex radiographic and computed tomography (CT) examinations that may require utilization of contrast materials and sterile techniques. The amount of time spent in each modality will be contingent upon the needs of the department. The incumbent will work a minimum of 30% in Computed Tomography. Responsibilities Evaluates critical and emergency procedures and prioritizes them to accommodate the situation. The examinations are achieved by using x-ray equipment such as digital radiography (DR), computed radiography (CR), computed tomography (CT), general radiography (conventional/analog), fluoroscopy, portable radiographic and other devices for the purpose of producing high quality diagnostic images to provide appropriate diagnosis and treatment of identified abnormalities. The amount of time spent in each modality will be contingent upon the needs of the department. The incumbent will work a minimum of30% in Computed Tomography and as much as l00%. The incumbent will work between 1-70% in General Radiography. Duties or Functions of this position include but are not limited to: Employee understands and complies with the laws, regulations, and industry standards which apply to their job functions and performs those functions with the highest standards of business integrity. 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 exposure and reducing costs. Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic procedures that may require utilization of contrast materials and sterile techniques including but not limited to general radiography, computed tomography, etc. Assist radiologists or other professional staff in the performance of fluoroscopic examinations (i.e. UGI, BE, IVP, etc.) Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP, computed tomography with contrast, cystograms, cholangiograms, fistulagrams, as well as other oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, renografin, barium, enema bags, drinking cups, etc. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials runs the risk of patient mortality. Therefore, it is essential that those who prepare and administer contrast materials possess a thorough understanding of its usage and contraindications. This requires continual alertness to the patients condition and other disorders. The alertness is essential for the recognition of potential patient reactions. Reactions require an immediate response to minimize harm and ensure patient safety. Therefore, CPR certification and demonstrated venipuncture competency is a requirement for this position. Determines technical factors, positioning, etc., to produce a high quality diagnostic and/or computed tomography image and confers with the radiologists to determine the requirements for non-standard exams that do not conform to established standard protocols. Notifies the physician of scans requiring their immediate attention. Performs advanced image manipulations and/or reconstructions on workstations as directed by the radiologist, healthcare professional or standard protocol. 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. Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left, right and other markers when appropriate. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band (if applicable) and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number and/or date of birth. Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and/or in the operating/surgical suites. Responsible for providing quality diagnostic radiographs for the surgeons and/or other professional staff on patients that are unable to receive imaging services within the radiology department due to patient incapacity or surgical requirement. Use of portable x-ray equipment, mobile intensifier units and other equipment may be required to complete the requested procedure(s). Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 30350F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. 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), 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. 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). Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(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 Determinations: GS-9 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 aspects of interest to the physician. Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments: 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. 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 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/. Additional Information 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. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.