Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Advanced) - Computed Tomography

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Prescott (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks an Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) at the Northern Arizona VA Medical Center, Radiology Department.

You will independently perform CT and radiographic procedures using a variety of X-ray systems, including CT angiography and interventional exams. Required ARRT certification with advanced CT qualifications, a 24‑month radiologic technology program, and English proficiency.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required.
• ARRT (R) certification in Radiography; advanced ARRT for CT/MRI/Mammography duties as applicable.
• Completion of a post-high school radiologic technology program accredited by JRCERT or recognized DOE agencies.
• English language proficiency in speaking and writing.

Responsibilities

• Perform CT and radiographic procedures using diagnostic x-ray equipment (CT, fluoroscopy, direct digital units).
• Execute CT protocols of head, neck, spine, chest and body; include multi-slice CT and 3‑D reconstructions.
• Conduct specialized CT angiographic and interventional examinations.
• Interpret exam requests, ensure image quality, and maintain patient safety and comfort.

Skills

Patient safety & care balance

Medical record information gathering

Contraindication assessment

First aid & life support

IV access & aseptic technique

Education

24-month radiologic technology program

Job description

The Advanced DRT, CT position is assigned to the Northern Arizona VAMC, Radiology Department; CT services, and independently performs routine to moderately complex radiographic and computed tomography procedures by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, direct digital units, general diagnostic units, and computed tomography scanner. Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest, & body. Performs special CT angiographic and interventional examinations.

Basic Requirements

• Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States.
• 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.]
• 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).

Grade Determinations

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Advanced) - Computed Tomography, GS-09 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.]

(1) 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.

(2) Assignments

For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:

(a) [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 (*):

• i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
• ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
• iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
• iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
• v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Reference:

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Work is performed in a health care setting. Work may involve exposure to infection and possible contagious diseases. Standard precautions and isolation techniques will be employed as indicated. Working conditions include: outside and inside work, exposure to radiation energy, constant noise (machinery/equipment), working around hazardous machinery with moving parts, working closely with others.