Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist; CT

Summary

Performs computerized tomography scanning requested by facility Clinicians. Individual performs routine x-rays of the skull - chest - pelvis - spine - abdomen and extremities including portable exams. Individual performs Fluoroscopy and C-arm imaging as needed.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• 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
• Loss of Credential:
  An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years - or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
• Physical Requirements:
  
  See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d) IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE - YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING GRADE REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION
• Grade Determinations:
  Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 Computed Tomography (CT) 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
• 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 and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):
  * 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 experience with X-Ray and CT
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.

• Major Duties:
  Computed Tomography duties include Angiography exams (Carotids - COW - CTPA - etc.) - Neuro/Head - and Core/Extremity
• Operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of diagnostic radiology examinations
• These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials
• The purpose of these exams is to achieve…