Summary

This position is located at Radiology Service with VA San Diego Healthcare System. Technologist receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures in both CT and Angio/Interventional. Employee reviews pre-procedure laboratory test results and determines if results fall within the established safety limits for receiving iodinated contrast material (BUN - Creatinine) and that blood coagulation levels (PT - INR) are within safe levels.

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
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English
• 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
• Certification: Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT)(R) - and an advanced ARRT certification in computed tomography (CT)
• 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-10: Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to this position performing procedures related to CT/IR as well as general diagnostic procedures
• In addition to the experience above - you must also demonstrate the following knowledge - skills - and abilities (must be demonstrated in resume): Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes
• Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures - and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies
• Preferred Experience: 3 years of current and continuous CT and/or Interventional Radiology experience - within the last 2 years two years
• California Radiologic Technology certificate in Radiography and Fluoroscopy is highly desirable
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting - moderate carrying - reaching above shoulders - use of fingers and hands required - walking - standing - and repeated bending.

Duties

• Major duties include but are not limited to: Explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possible
• Interview the patient to obtain additional clinical information - and if needed will contact the clinician and/or clinic that made the request for clarification and may recommend a more appropriate exam to order
• Determine what views and technique to use based on this information for maximum diagnostic effectiveness
• Make an independent decision to take additional views or alter the technique to achieve the goal before the patient leaves the department
• Use a wide variety of computerized equipment such as the Angiographic and CT equipment - Digital Fluoroscopy - Computer Acquisition and port-processing workstations - PACS viewing stations - WEBPACS desk top viewing software - and hospital computer systems such as VISTA and CPRS
• Performs computed tomography of the head - neck - spine - chest and body with and without the use of contrast materials including CT guided biopsy studies of muscular skeletal system - neuro systems - lung - liver - kidney and other soft tissue sampling - abscess drainages - microwave or cryoablation studies requiring localization of catheter placement - cardiac - biopsy - interventional procedures and peripheral vascular examinations
• Performs Angiographic exams of the Vascular systems - Fluoroscopy guided biopsies of muscular skeletal system - lung - liver - kidney and other soft tissue sampling - Drain placements - and other Interventional procedures The technologist must be able to work in a surgical type environment where a sterile field must be maintained and will maintain the assigned room with adequate levels of medical and emergency supplies needed for optimal patient care and efficiency and maintain cleanliness Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• This is achieved using lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead-lined wall and collimation
• Trains rotating X-ray and computerized tomography students and new technologists in CT and Angio/Interventional sections
• Trains new staff and volunteers working within the CT and Angio/Interventional sections of Radiology
• Communicates effectively with medical support assistants regarding patient care and scheduling for CT section and for studies scheduled for Angio/Interventional not covered by nursing
• Work Schedule Option 1: Monday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday 7:30am-6:00pm Work Schedule Option 2: Monday - Tuesday - Thursday - Friday 7:30am-6:00pm Compressed/Flexible: Compressed Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized