Career Center

Summary

The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists (Computed Tomography) will work within the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Service as a fully functional DRT carrying out assigned tasks independently with limited to no supervision. Incumbent must possess specific knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or - mulit-slice computer tomography - inclusive of 3-D reconstruction systems. Recruitment Incentive may be considered for Highly Qualified Candidate

Qualifications

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]
• 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 Department of Education - and be certified as radiographers in their field
• English Language Proficiency DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English
• Grade Determinations: 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
• Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities required for the position: 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/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive 5019 and VA Handbook 5019
• The physical demands of the work includes: 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
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• hearing (aid permitted)
• and speed in working
• Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time
• How applicants will be referred: This is an open continuous announcement until September 6 - 2025
• Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available
• This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 6 2025
• The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 2 weeks after the opening of the announcement
• Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled
• This is an open continuous announcement
• Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available.

Duties

• Incumbent will spend 90% of the time in CT and 10% of time in general radiology
• Include but are not limited to: Incumbent will assist in the Radiology Department performing all aspects of routine radiology procedures
• This includes use of portable x-ray machine - proper techniques - positioning knowledge - radiation safety - orthopedic exams - and other related procedures as needed which may include fluoroscopy and the use of a C-arm
• Must possess specific knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or - multi-slice computer tomography - inclusive of 3-D reconstruction systems
• Exams may include drainage - biopsies - cystograms - colonography - 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
• Oversees and trains new hire CT techs in the modality and according to the CT SOP
• Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures
• Prioritizes scheduled and emergent patients who may require immediate care
• Prepares equipment for daily operation - brings system up - checks all self-calibrating parameters
• Performs quality control/assurance checks on completed CT scans to ensure optimally diagnostic images are referred for radiologists' interpretation
• Receives patient - explains methods of procedure - positions patient and makes exposures necessary for the requested examination
• Performs intravenous injections of contrast material with hand injections and/or with the aid of the pressure injection system
• Performs CT Angiography studies to include - but not limited to - cerebral - pulmonary - renal - hepatic - mesenteric - aortic - and femoral arteries
• Work Schedule: Multiple Tours Available
• This Position supports 24/7 operations throughout the calendar year
• Work is typically performed on the night shift
• however - candidate may be subject to overtime work - shift work - and/or work on rotating shifts to include days - evenings - weekends - and holidays
• Subject to call back outside tour of duty
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): 30K Recruitment Incentive may be considered for Highly Qualified Candidate 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 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)Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) GS-0647-09 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized