Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)

Summary

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. 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
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
Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-9 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.

Duties

'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 [email protected] Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required'