This position is the designated General Radiologic Technologist and requires a current ARRT (R) and (CT) certification. The technologist will perform computerized tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body with and without the use of contrast materials. The objective of the exams and procedures are to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by Radiologists to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathologic conditions, or lesions within the body.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) b. 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. c. 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. d. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). GRADE REQUIREMENTS. a. Creditable Experience (1) 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. (2) 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. (3) 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. b. 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. (1) 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. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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. Preferred Experience: 3 years CT experience preferred. Experience with 3D reconstruction and angiography. 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: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling (up to 1 hour); pushing (up to 1 hour); reaching above the shoulder; use of fingers; walking (up to 5 hours); standing (up to 5 hours); repeated bending (up to 2 hours); depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; and hearing (aid may be permitted). Environmental Factors: Exposure to radiant energy and you must be able to work alone and closely with others.
Functions of this position include: Maximize utilization of the CT Scanner. Identify scheduled procedures for the day then plan and coordinate activities around physician availability to maximize room effectiveness. Properly identify patient images using computerized work list and left and right markers. This is essential so mistaken identity of images to patients does not occur. Schedule 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 intervention. Communicate with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determine technical factors, positioning, number, and thickness of scans to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scan while maintaining ALARA procedures. Notify the radiologist of scans that require immediate attention. Perform neuroangiography, including spine, head, and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, parallelogram biplane imaging, and patient monitors to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal. Perform peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities including renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, and femoral. Utilize sterile technique which requires preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, and use of catheters and guide wires. Assure all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures. Adhere to hospital infection control and safety policies and techniques. Assist the radiologist and anticipate needs of the exam and be aware of the patient's condition, sterile field, and catheter and guide wire sizes. Recognize patient reactions and anticipate technique factor difficulties. Prepare contrast materials used in CT, angiography, and other exams. Improper use or administration of contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality; therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. Always be alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention. Must be certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. Always practice radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. Perform reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Maintain records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of electronic patient logbooks and registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system. Record patient dose in electronic log and compile radiation dose data into a report for the Radiation Safety Meeting. Explain exams to competent patients so they understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Stock and inventory all CT and angiography supplies and related materials. Clean the CT suite with proper cleaning solutions to minimize any chance of hospital acquired infections. Perform irregular hour emergency scans on call, 24hours per day. On Call requires the technologist be available within 30 minutes from receipt of call so proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. Continually review new developments in the field of angiography and computerized tomography. Always alert to improve quality of exams utilizing any new technologies available. Utilize the Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) to store CT images, utilize tele radiography when needed. May be required to assist with clerical duties of the Diagnostic Imaging Department in times of decreased patient volumes or staffing issues. Start saline locks in patients receiving IV fluids or contrast material, maintain competencies on ISTAT machine to obtain creatinine results. VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.