Career Center

Incumbent performs computerized tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest, body, and vessels. These exams are performed with and/or without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. 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) and 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 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 schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. Specialized Assignments: 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: GS-9 DRT Experience: At least 1 year of experience equivalent GS-8 grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignment: 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 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 (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs *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. Preferred Experience: 3-5 years experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 reference and appropriate VA Qualification Standard. Physical Requirements: 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; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. ["Duties include but not limited to the following Schedules exams in a manner so as 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. communicates both verbally or in writing with other hospital staff. 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; Schedules patients for examinations, advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results, and notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Performs CT exams to include neuro, angiography, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated equipment such as pressure injectors, patient monitors, etc. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies. Performs CT myelography of the complete spine when required. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the entire spinal canal. Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires \"scrub-in technique\", preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, supplying of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. Works with the radiologist as a member of the surgical/radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Must continuously be on the alert for the patient's condition, sterile field, catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations, etc. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc. Thorough knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices, techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, genetic changes, and effects of radiation on living organisms. Insures correct machine techniques to minimize such exposures, monitors the safeguards, and recognizes when changes of equipment or procedures might result in increased exposure and then recommends alternative methods to prevent such exposures. Performs reconstructions of CT and studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Make notes in the patients' medical record when appropriate. Documents in the patients' medical record the use of contrast media. Registering and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system, copying of images to CD. Assure that images are in Isite and are on the work list. Routing exams to different locations. Performs diagnostic testing and troubleshooting equipment problems as they arise and confers with Bio Med to resolve equipment issues/ problems. 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 I.D. band and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number or date of birth as required by JCAHO. Responsible for explaining exams using population specific guidelines. Has an understanding of potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate CPR. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all CT supplies and related materials. Performs basic scanner maintenance in compliance with brand specific specifications. Performs daily QA. Performs shut down when needed. Determines when a warm-up should be performed to lessen the effects on a cold tube. When problems occur, enter work orders and notify in-house staff or vendor to have problem repaired. Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday with occasional weekends\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]