Summary

The Diagnostic Imaging Service at the Cheyenne VA Health Care system is hiring one Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography (CT) for the Loveland - CO location.

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:

• Citizenship
• Be a citizen of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g.) 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
• 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).] [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)
• 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)
• 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
• For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard - but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it - the following provisions apply: DRTs that require a certification - may be reassigned - promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level - or changed to lower grade within the occupation - but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
• DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels
• DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed - on a temporary or permanent basis - until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard
• DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation - who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation
• Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-10 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
• Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: 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: ARRT (MRI) certification and CT Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• This announcement is for a GS-10 position - which is above the full performance level
• Physical Requirements: Bending - pushing - pulling - reaching and occasional kneeling - crawling and squatting
• lifting - carrying - bending - and manipulation of equipment
• patient assistance and positioning
• walking and prolonged standing
• the ability to read written orders - computer screens - patient records - and equipment controls
• and the ability to communicate with patients - physicians - and coworkers
• Near visual acuity to assess patient's physical condition when performing exams and evaluating images for diagnostic quality
• Must be able to peak and hear to communicate with patients
• ability to make critical decisions - interact with patients of different ages and health conditions - maintain patient confidentiality - work under stressful conditions.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Duties Include but are not limited to: Computed Tomography (CT) Functions: a) Independently operates CT scanner and coordinates exams in a manner as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for urgent or stat cases
• This requires the prioritizing scheduled patients - as well as the accommodating the urgent or stat patient
• b) 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
• c) 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
• d) Under the direction of the Radiologist or Licensed Independent Provider (LIP) the technologist prepares - labels - and administers contrast agents according to signed orders
• e) The 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
• f) The technologist must be familiar with 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
• Diagnostic Radiology (X-Ray - Fluoroscopy) Functions: a) Performs radiographic exams in the department (general X-Ray - Fluoroscopy) under the direction of Radiologists and other medical officers and has adequate training to operate all ionizing equipment
• b) Maintains sufficient capability of the PACS system to adequately transfer images and other pertinent data for Radiologist interpretation and diagnosis
• c) Technical adequacy of the digital image - including adjusting the image quality in the digital system
• d) 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
• Work Schedule: Full Time - Monday - Friday - 8:30am - 5:00pm Telework: Not Available Functional Statement #: 442-54757-A