Summary

This is an Open Continuous Announcement (OCA) for Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Computed Tomography (CT) assigned to the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS). This vacancy will remain open until filled. This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or - multi-slice computer tomography. The first cut-off date is 2/14/2025. Additional applications will be referred as needed.

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
• 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).] 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)
• 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
• 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
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Grandfathering Provision
• All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title - series and grade held - including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation
• 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) - GS-09: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: 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
• Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level
• Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues
• 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
• KSAs: And the candidate must demonstrate ALL of the following knowledge - skills - and abilities (KSAs) and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*)
• 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
• 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: One year of X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT) experience in Imaging Center/ Hospital setting
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• VA Handbook 5005/119 - Part 2 - Appendix G25
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - to stand and walk
• Moderate lifting - 15-44 pounds
• Straight pulling (2 hours)
• Pushing (4 hours)
• Constant noise
• Reaching above shoulder
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking (4 hours)
• Standing (4 hours)
• Kneeling (2 hours)
• Repeated bending (2 hours)
• Both legs required
• Both eyes required
• Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
• Mental and emotional stability
• Working alone
• Working closely with others
• Radiant energy
• Hearing (aid may be permitted)
• Protracted or irregular hours of work
• May come in contact with patients requiring the use of PPE
• Hearing without aid
• Mental and emotional stability.

Duties

• This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until filled
• The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be February 14 - 2025 - with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks
• Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until position(s) is filled
• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Reports to CT Supervisor - prioritizes exams in a manner to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• Requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery - etc
• Coordinates patient-prep and transportation - if needed - for the emergent and scheduled patients
• Performs computerized tomography following a myelogram procedure of the spine
• The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal
• Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• Axial - coronal - sagittal - 3D reconstructions - and MPR reconstructions are utilized to achieve optimal information for a proper diagnosis
• Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques for biopsies or aspiration of fluid of anatomical region indicated
• 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
• Works with the radiologist/resident as a member of the radiographic team
• Assist needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam
• Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition - sterile field and supplies needed for specific examination
• The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination - recognize patient reactions - anticipate technique factor difficulties - etc
• 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.ls qualified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary
• Performs routine studies such as: Head - ORBITS - Sinus - Temporal Bones - Soft Tissue Neck - C/T/L Spine - Chest/Hi-Res - Chest/ABD/Pelvis - Liver - Pancreas - Kidney - Renal Stone - AAA - Prostate - Extremities - Upper/Lower - and SIP Myelogram
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography
• Performs complex CT studies to include: CTA cardiac - abdomen pelvis - pulmonary embolism - thoracic - and gated studies with the ability to post process said studies
• Responsible for performing/recording daily quality assurance phantom results
• Ability to train new hires - students - and contractors in the safe and effective use of radiographic technique in acquiring suitable images for the Radiologist
• Also - train new hires and students to perform specialized studies such as: Endografts - Renal Donors - CT A' s - Circle of Willis - Carotids - Dissections - Pulmonary Embolism - Femoral Run-Offs - and Biopsies/ Aspirations
• Work Schedule: Rotating schedule
• 1:30pm-midnight - Monday - Thursday for 2 weeks then Friday - Monday 1:30pm-Mid
• OR Set schedule Thursday-Sunday 8:30am -7pm
• (Based on need of the agency may have: Wednesday - Sunday 2:30pm-11pm - includes nights - weekends and holidays
• OR Rotating shifts: 12 hour
• Week 1: Work Monday - Tuesday - Off Wednesday - Thursday - work Friday - Saturday - and Sunday
• Week 2: Off Monday - Tues - work Wednesday 3p-11 - Thursday - Off Friday - Saturday - and Sunday) Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized