Summary

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography Performs computerized tomography of the head - neck - spine - chest - and body. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment.

Qualifications

All requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

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)
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT)
• 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 maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
• 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 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)
• 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
• Specialized experience includes: Experience checking system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Utilized knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• Applied knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• Monitored patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• Applied skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers
• Utilized knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• AND Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i
• *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• ii
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• iii
• *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• iv
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• v
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• vi
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting - moderate carrying - reaching above shoulder - use of fingers - both hands required - walking - standing - repeated bending - and both legs required

Duties

• Duties include - but are not limited to: Schedules exams in a manner to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery - etc
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams
• Determines technical factors - positioning - number - and thickness of scans - etc. - to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning
• Assists with scheduling add-on patients for examinations
• Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results
• Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention
• Performs all procedures relative to all general C.T
• exams and more complex exams such as CTA coronary - abdominal and neuro - exams
• During IR procedures - the CT tech will identify area(s) of interest - places grid on patient - and scan to demonstrate for radiologist proper location for needle insertion
• Will continue to scan when needed with continuous observation of CT dose optimization
• Send all images and complete exam efficiently
• Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and - therefore - it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it
• In addition - must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders
• Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient
• Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff - and self
• This is achieved using lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead lined walls and collimation
• Film badges are worn by the technologists in compliance with radiation regulations
• Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• Along with reprocessing data on 3D workstation - including - but not limited to - MIP's and Volume Rendering
• Maintains CT schedule to notify staff when patient needs labs - is allergic to contrast - which patient(s) will need oral contrast - and any add-on CTs
• Maintains workflow of new orders for protocoling under policy 23
• Properly identifies patient images
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur
• The technologist must be certain that the patient identifiers and the request are identical
• Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient's full name and date of birth
• Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possible - and have informed consent ready for known allergic reaction &/or less than standard labs for contrast procedures
• Responsible for stocking and inventory of all CT supplies and related materials
• Performs on call coverage - on a rotating basis - with other CT technologists
• Requires the technologist be available within 30 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient
• May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography
• Is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available
• The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes
• Notifies proper personnel when there is a disrupt with the daily schedule due to CT room down for proper cleaning - equipment failure - etc
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• Monday-Friday - Administrative Days Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required