Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Overview

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Computed Tomography performs computerized tomography examinations - including tomographic scanning of heads - bodies and special regions utilizing CT equipment; performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures; and performs technical work in support of Diagnostic Radiology under the direct supervision of a physician.

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
• 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)
• 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 Department of Education - and be certified as radiographers in their field
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Technologists working in this special assignment may function as vascular interventional (VI) - cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists which use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures
• This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy
• The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures
• The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents - vital signs - medications - and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures
• CT technologist must be knowledgeable in digital imagining and PACS
• Grade Determinations: GS-9
  
  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 - which include:
  Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist:
  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
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Note: strong emphasis on converting to permissible tags
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9
• Physical Requirements:
  
  A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy.

• Major duties include but are not limited to:
• Performs all routine CT and x-ray examinations
• Performs complex CT procedures such as CT angiograms
• Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures and emergent CT
• The operator will be developing new techniques - defining optimal protocols - devising…