Career Center

Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Computed Tomography performs computerized tomography examinations - including tomographic scanning of heads - bodies and special regions utilizing CT equipment; performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures; and performs technical work in support of Diagnostic Radiology under the direct supervision of a physician.

Qualifications

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 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 Department of Education - and be certified as radiographers in their field
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Technologists working in this special assignment may function as vascular interventional (VI) - cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists which use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures
• This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy
• The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures
• The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents - vital signs - medications - and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures
• CT technologist must be knowledgeable in digital imagining and PACS
• Grade Determinations:GS-9 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08) - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level - which include: 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 References: VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Appendix G25
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard
• 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: A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy.

Duties

• Major Duties include - but are not limited to: a
• Performs all routine CT and x-ray examinations
• Performs complex CT procedures such as CT angiograms
• Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures and emergent CT
• The operator will be developing new techniques - defining optimal protocols - devising alternative ways to visualize pathology within the patient
• Interaction with physician - physicists - computer programs - and biomed engineers will be normal occurrence of the daily duties of the operator
• b
• Receives patients - explains method of procedure - positions patients - selects and sets technical factors for computerized tomography slices - assists radiologist and other physicians in the precise localization and placement to include angle of entry of the needle during invasive examinations such as biopsies - drainages and aspirations
• c
• Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate CT records so that easy recall of patient examinations is achieved
• Schedules outpatients for CT examinations as needed
• Maintains schedule log - procedure log - editing and registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS)
• d
• Maintains supplies required for invasive and non-invasive CT examinations
• Makes permanent record of all scans back up write rewritable disk or to VistA PAC's maintaining record of scans in write rewritable disks library
• Maintains records on all patients and examinations performed and contrast used to complete exam
• e
• Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to Imaging manager those that would improve the operation of the CT department
• f
• Unloads scans from computer to Advantage windows workstation - performs reconstruction - and copy CDs for outside facilities and/or physicians
• g
• Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for CT examinations in an effort to minimize delays of exams
• These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation
• h
• Explains examinations to be performed to the patients and wards so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood
• This is done so that an adequate CT exam may be obtained in an effort to get diagnostic examinations for the purpose of treatment and diagnosis of disorders
• i
• Recognizes possible machine malfunctions and attempts to correct problem before calling biomed engineer
• Perform daily quality control calibration of machine
• j
• Responsible for recording and presenting appropriate data for quality management programs to the Imaging committee
• Work Schedule: Varies - to include weekends only shifts Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 460-03459-F - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) - GS-0647-09 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required