Career Center

Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) at the Fort Harrison VA independently performs complex diagnostic Computerized Axial Tomography scans and radiographic imaging procedures for both inpatients and outpatients under the supervision of the radiologist. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast agents. Operates imaging equipment (mobile and fixed) - assists the radiologist and other providers during fluoroscopic procedures.

Qualifications

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until 1/23/25.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States
• 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)
• 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)
• NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description
• 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)
• Grade Requirements: Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice: To be creditable - experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice
• This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice - which is paid or non- paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT
• Quality of Experience: Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above
• Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
• Part-Time Experience
• Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek
• For example - a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work
• Specialized Assignments: Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R) - bone densitometry (BD) - mammography (M) - diagnostic ultrasound (S) - computed tomography (CT) - [ ] magnetic resonance imaging (MR) - [ ] [interventional radiologic technology (IR)] - quality management (QM) - [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist - MRI safety officer (MRSO) - imaging administrator - clinical program director - and clinical instructor.] 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 inter- relationship 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 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a health care setting
• Work may involve exposure to infection and possible contagious diseases
• Standard precautions and isolation techniques will be employed as indicated
• There is occasion where response to physical and/or verbal abuse by patients requires knowledge gained from ongoing violence in the workplace training
• Working conditions include inside work - constant noise (machinery/equipment) - working around hazardous machinery with moving parts - working closely with others
• Fast paced clinical environment with frequent interruptions by phone inquiries - user inquiries - and equipment operations
• Work regularly involves extended periods of standing
• There is a considerable amount of moving - bending - and carrying moderately heavy items
• Transfer and positioning of patients may require considerable effort involving reaching - stretching - and lifting in awkward positions due to respirators - suction machines - and monitors
• Special assist lifting devices must be used in accordance with safe patient handling policies
• The environment involves risks associated with diagnostic imaging and CT scanning services to include potential occupational exposure to ionizing radiation within normal hospital settings
• Work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks or discomforts typical of clinical areas - offices - and meeting rooms
• This requires employees to observe special safety precautions and complete annual training associated with these risks.

Duties

• Performs CT examinations of the head - neck - chest - abdomen - pelvis - and extremities
• Executes - liver - pancreatic - lung nodule - and pulmonary embolus (PE) protocols
• Performs multifaceted CTA exams of the heart - brain - pulmonary arteries - and extremities with multiplanar - 3D - and MIP (Maximum Intensity Projection) reconstructions
• The technologist uses cross-sectional anatomy in relation to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body to produce complex CT studies
• The technologist executes reconstructions of raw data associated with the CT Scan examinations
• The technologist performs image acquisition in Digital Radiography (DR) and utilizes the Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS)
• Employees may also be assigned to team leader - instructional - or supervisory positions at this level
• They also work independently on evenings - nights - and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call
• Computerized Axial Tomography Technologist (CT) Applies radiation protection standards and properly shielding techniques for personnel and patients
• Adjusts and adapts equipment use or procedures and techniques in the event of mechanical failures and/or software malfunctions
• Uses standard troubleshooting techniques to resolve equipment issues
• Recognizes standard cross-sectional anatomy
• Differentiates between normal physiology or variants versus abnormal pathology or anatomical variations
• Performs additional scans/images as required to for evaluation by the radiologist Applies basic psychology skills to manage patients in all phases of general diagnostic/CT including critical care - trauma - apprehensive - and disoriented patients
• Engages with family members in a positive - respectful manner
• Interfaces with all staff members always demonstrating professionalism and mutual respect
• Uses critical thinking skills and effective triage to properly manage multiple urgent/STAT exams
• Performs basic first-aid procedures for seizures - cardiac arrest - anaphylactic shock - and contrast reactions
• Initiates and/or participates in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in keeping with Basic Life Support (BLS) training
• Performs aseptic and/or sterile procedure fields assisting the radiologist as directed
• Performs required decontamination procedures in the event of a contaminated field - room - and/or an isolation patient
• Determines the need to call for repair and or/maintenance of equipment - enters the required work order - and notifies the Imaging Administrator - Lead Technologist - or designee
• Apply general diagnostic/CT technical exposure factors and programming
• Assess image quality by evaluating density - contrast - distortion/artifacts - and other exposure factors
• Performs computer functions as related to general diagnostic and CT scanning - disc storage and use - maintenance of workstation computer files - machine warm up and calibration procedures - limited preventive maintenance to general diagnostic/CT scanning unit and computer components for emergency trouble shooting
• Utilizes the Radiology Information Systems (RIS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) applications
• Protects computer data and patient sensitive information from unauthorized users
• Protects access codes for any medical center computer programs
• Executes basic computer operations including limited programming functions - keyboard inputs - purpose and functions - or computer programs needed to carry out other job duties
• Maintains current knowledge of new developments in CT and general diagnostic imaging
• Practices radiation safety and ALARA principles to protect patients - staff - and self
• The incumbent adheres to all applicable safety policies and procedures
• Participates in quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) activities as directed
• Properlyidentifiespatientsbyadheringtomedicalcenterpoliciesandselectingcorrectpatient identifiers in the Picture Archiving Computer System (PACS)
• Screens patients in advance for contraindications per CT and/or Diagnostic Imaging policies as applicable
• Responsible for explaining the procedure to patient - verifying that the patient understands the exam - and any risks involved with the exam/procedure
• Schedules exams to optimize throughput while maintaining flexibility to allow for emergency cases
• Work Schedule: Variable Tours of Duty - days - nights - weekends - and/or when on call Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 50312-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required