Summary

Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) This specialized 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. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination.

Qualifications

All requirements must be met by the close date of this announcement, 02/11/2025

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-10 Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-9, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• These include: 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
• AND Certification: ARRT CT AND Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes
• ii
• 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
• iii
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment
• iv
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies
• Preferred Experience: CT experience 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-10
• 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: Functions - Computed Tomography: (a) Independently operates Computed Tomography (CT) scanner and coordinates exams in a manner as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients, as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient
• (b) Properly identifies patient by confirming patient name and social security number
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur
• (c) Responsible for explaining exam procedures to competent patients to the extent the patient understands what is to be done, as well as what hazards, if any, are possible
• May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor breathing and pulse, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• (d) Routinely assesses patient for contraindications for ordered procedure (i.e
• decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for IV contrast exam, allergy to contrast media etc
• (completes Patient Assessment form)
• Possesses knowledge of and skills needed to access patient clinical record (CPRS), diagnosis and laboratory results
• (e) Confers with radiologists to determine appropriate protocols for non-standard exams
• Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning and performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• (f) Under the direction of the Radiologist or Licensed Independent Provider (LIP) the technologist prepares, labels, and administers contrast agents according to signed orders
• (g) Technologist is required to maintain adequate competency to insert an appropriate IV catheter and the use of automated or manual injection techniques according to signed contrast orders
• (h) The technologist must possess a thorough knowledge of the effects and adverse reactions of contrast materials used in the department and must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders
• Adverse reactions require immediate attention
• Functions - Diagnostic Radiology: (a) Performs radiographic exams in the department (general x-ray, general fluoroscopy, bone density) or bedside (portable x-ray, c-arm) under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers
• Has adequate knowledge to operate all ionizing equipment
• (b) Properly identifies patient by confirming patient name and social security number
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur
• (c) Maintains sufficient knowledge and capability of the PACS system to adequately transfer images and other pertinent data for radiologist interpretation and diagnosis
• Some basic computer skills are required for this function
• (d) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system
• (e) Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs
• (f) Assist radiologists and other LIP's in fluoroscopic examinations
• Assistance includes, but not limited to, acquiring high quality images using c-arm and general fluoroscopy equipment and preparing contrast materials for injectable or non-injectable agents such as cystogram, cholangiograms, fistula grams and examinations of the GI tract
• (g) The technologist practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self
• This is achieved using the ALARA principles, lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, and lead lined walls
• Film badges are worn by the technologists in compliance with radiation safety regulations
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• Monday-Friday, 0730-1600, On-Call 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