Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)
What you'd do
Employees at this grade level are to be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. The technologist's principal responsibilities are to perform Computed Tomography (CT) procedures for the patients of this medical center. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and can carry out their assigned tasks independently.
Major duties
The technologist will perform quality diagnostic examinations that include, but are not limited to, CT examinations of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, extremities, neck, etc. The technologist will also assist the radiologist in performing interventional procedures under CT guidance. The technologist may be cross trained in special procedures to maximize the utilization of personnel. The technologist may also participate in on-call or standby to provide 24-hour, 7 days a week for the main facility; and will also participate in the departmental in-service program. This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification in Computed Tomography (CT). Technologists meet the requirements outlined in HPM 11-107; BLS Certification is maintained on a bi-annual basis. Accurately and competently operates imaging equipment, utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy. The technologist must be familiar with radiation safety policies and procedures. The technologist is educated and competent in MRI Safety Level Two. The technologist is competent in all service policies pertaining to the assigned work section. Technologist is trained and competent in the use of VistA, CPRS, and PACS. Receives and processes CT orders for accuracy, appropriateness, and date desired. Register, edit and cancel exams in accordance with national guidelines. Performs and completes CT studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent, and routine exam priorities. Uses independent judgment and critical thinking to modify positioning and exams as needed to accommodate patient's medical condition and/or body habitus. Advises the radiologist of exam images requiring immediate attention. Uses a minimum of two approved patient identifiers before beginning the CT exam. Selects the correct patient's name and exam within VistA, CT worklist, and PACS. Verifies that all images and associated scanned documents are in PACS, under the correct accession number, prior to casing the CT exam for completion. The technologist is responsible for quality assurance (positioning, labels, window levels, etc.) of the exam before submission to PACS. Follows radiologist protocol required for each exam, unless otherwise directed by a radiologist on duty the day of the exam. Explains examination to each patient prior to beginning the procedure. Answers questions to ensure the patient understands and is comfortable to move forward with the exam. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 2:30pm - 11:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 70426F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
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. [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). 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). Computed Tomography (CT) 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. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS - 08 level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred Experience: 2 years CT experience in a hospital setting. 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-9. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; the ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work long periods.
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