The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) (Computed Tomography) (CT) will perform technical work in support of Diagnostic Radiology under the direction of a radiologist. Operates computerized radiology/imaging equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. The DRT (CT) will utilize digital computed tomography, general radiography, and imaging network (PACS) equipment to perform a variety of routine, as well as complex computer tomography (CT) examinations.
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. 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]. 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 2 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). Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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 Determinations: 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. 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. 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 5 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.] The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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: A minimum of one year of experience in Computed Tomography (CT). 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 and Handbook 5019.
Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Balances the needs of the patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Demonstrates appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and healthcare providers. Access factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Maintains knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous skills, and universal precautions. Knowledgeable in pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Maintains 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. Maintains specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination. Interprets the examination request accurately and understands the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs. Uses methods and techniques to 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 emphasizes the aspects of particular interest to the physician. Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a radiologist. Receives requests or instructions for procedures. Performs computed axial tomography (CT) scanning of head and/or body, and perform a variety of complex diagnostic examinations. Performs all aspects of CT-Scan. Image and assist with invasive studies to include needle localizations, biopsy procedures, and CT angiography studies. Work Schedule: Various tours of duty to include days, swings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized