Career Center

Summary

The technologist will perform quality diagnostic examinations that include - but are not limited to - CT examinations of the chest - abdomen - pelvis - head - extremities - neck - etc. The technologist will also assist the radiologist in performing interventional procedures under CT guidance. The technologist may be cross trained in special procedures to maximize utilization of personnel. Work Schedule: 2:30PM to 11 PM

Qualifications

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.] Must have advanced ARRT Computed Tomography (CT) certification
• 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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] 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 Determinations: [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist] - GS-9 [ ] (1) 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
• (2) 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
• DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: (a) [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 (*): 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
• This position is above the full performance level
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: 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

• The incumbent will perform examinations that include - but are not limited to - CT examinations of the chest - abdomen - pelvis - head - extremities - neck - etc
• The incumbent will also assist the radiologist in performing interventional procedures under CT guidance
• The incumbent may be cross-trained in special procedures to maximize utilization of personnel
• The incumbent will also participate in on-call or standby to provide 24 hour - 7 day a week
• will also participate in the departmental in-service program
• This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification in Computed Tomography (CT)
• 1) Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table
• 2) Prepare room - equipment and material needed for patient procedures
• 3) Prepares oral and injectable contrast and other chemical mixtures as necessary
• 4) Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures
• 5) Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events
• 6) Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams - credit of patient visits - complications and /or quality improvement activities of the Radiology Department
• 7) Performs daily maintenance of head and body phantoms - such as changing water - cleaning and removing air bubbles - etc
• 8) Administer contrast material - under the direction of the radiologist - according to protocols
• 9) Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort - ward secretaries - nursing personnel - etc
• 10) Maintain a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms at all times
• 11) Properly identifies patient images
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur
• The technician 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
• 12) The incumbent is responsible for the quality assurance of the image (positioning/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PAC's network
• The incumbent assists house staff in use of Vista Rad system and can also digitize films for the network and/or transmission to offsite locations
• Provide education to patients and their families on Imaging procedures
• 13) Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• 14) Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography and other exams
• 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 - and the proper use of pressure injectors
• 15) Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique
• the storage of sterile supplies
• the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'
• proper attire
• hand washing practices
• and continuing education
• 16) Clerical and file room duties related to patient care
• 17) Other duties as assigned
• 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
• Work Schedule: 2:30PM to 11 PM