Summary

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - 50% General Radiography and 50% CT Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology and CT under the direction of a physician. Supports radiologist or other medical officers to produce radiographic and CT studies used to diagnose medical conditions.

Qualifications

All requirements must be met by the close date of this announcement - 03/14/2025.

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
• 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 U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field
• 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)
• 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: GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level - GS-8 - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• These include: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• AND 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)
• AND Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: 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: Imaging preference is for a DRT with a minimum of 2 years experience in computed tomography (CT)/advanced modality
• 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. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position
• Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Duties

• The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
• This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest
• As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care - you will operate in a model with three core elements - seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
• This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
• This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being
• Duties include - but are not limited to: Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include: Head - Sinus - Maxofacial - Orbits - Temporal bones - TMJ - Neck - CT enterography - CT urography - Chest - Abdomen - Pelvis Extremities - soft tissue - and 3D Reconstructions of CT - Multi-Planar Reformats CT and Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure
• Performs all aspects of CT Interventional Radiography - including Biopsies - bone - Abscess drainages - cyst aspirations - thoracentesis - paracenteses - renal biopsies
• Performs CT Angiography: Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis - Cerebral venous thrombosis - Carotids - Chest - Brachial plexus - Abdominal Aortas - Run-Off's - Renal arteries - Mesenteric Arteries - CT Cardiac Imaging - Cardiac scoring and CT Myelography utilizing specialized series to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis
• Assists with Interventional CT exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques
• This requires proper preparation of sterile trays - proper labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays - knowledge of supplies and specific locations - and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment
• Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT
• 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 when necessary
• Required to maintain competence in venipuncture and refer to the ACR procedure manual for guidelines on protocol of contrast administration - Administration of Contrast Media After-Hours - Guidelines for Power Injection of Contrast Media in PICC lines - central lines - and power ports
• Technologist acquires and maintains knowledge in CT dose optimization and the factors that directly affect radiation dose from the CT scanner to the patient
• Has knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• Has the ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist or ED Physician informed
• Has skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers
• Maintains records of views taken and technical factors used
• Clerical duties related to patient care
• Performs all general diagnostic radiographic including - but not limited to - skull - spine - torso - extremities - gastrointestinal - genitourinary - and portable examinations
• Operates computerized - digital - fluoroscopic and portable radiography equipment
• Determines technical factors (i.e. - calculates the correct exposure factors of time - distance - kilovoltage - and milliamperage) - sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure
• Selects and sets technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations
• Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures
• Screens female patients age 55 and younger for possible pregnancy
• Documents screening on pregnancy screening in Vista
• Contacts physician when pregnancy possible
• If procedure performed on pregnant or potentially pregnant patient - uses radiation safety devices to properly shield patient during exposure
• Performs portable exams as needed
• Maintains clean portable units
• Utilizes proper identification markers and time stamps
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• Monday-Thursday - 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Friday - 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• 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