Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Advanced) - Computed Tomography

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Prescott (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Advanced) specialized in CT imaging at the Northern Arizona VA Medical Center Radiology Department.

The incumbent will perform CT procedures and related radiographic work using advanced diagnostic equipment. The role requires ARRT certification (R), advanced CT certification, a 24+ month radiologic technology program, and strong English communication skills to ensure accurate imaging and patient care.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by ARRT (R) is required.
• Advanced ARRT certification required for CT duties.
• Completion of a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program or equivalent.
• English proficiency as required by VA standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine to moderately complex radiographic and CT procedures.
• Operate CT scanner and related diagnostic x-ray equipment.
• Conduct CT imaging of head, neck, spine, chest and body with 3-D reconstruction when indicated.
• Assist radiologists and maintain patient safety and radiologic quality.
• Maintain certification and comply with VA directives and safety standards.

Skills

ARRT Certification (Radiography)

Advanced ARRT Certification (CT/MRI/MG

Education

2+ year Radiologic Tech program

Tools

CT Scanner

Fluoroscopic Units

Direct Digital Imaging

Job description

Summary

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.

Qualifications

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.
  

Duties

• This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 4 - 2026
• The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be September 18 - 2026 - with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month
• Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled
• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional 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 interrelationship 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
• Duties include - but are not limited to the following: Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality - utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes
• Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology including location - appearance - and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination - and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases
• Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include but are not limited to CT examinations of the chest - abdomen - pelvis - head - extremities - neck - as well as CT Angiographic studies of the head - chest - abdomen and lower extremities
• Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis - Carotids - Abdominal Aortas and Run-Offs
• The radiographic goal of CT is to provide high quality axial imaging
• generate the best possible images at the minimal radiation dose necessary to the patient
• Incumbent will work with the radiologist/physician as a member of the Radiology team
• Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologist/physician in the performance of the exam
• They must continuously be on alert for the patient's condition and maintenance of a sterile field
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT to include CT Angiography and other exams
• Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and to sustained compliance with facility guidelines
• Technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients - staff - and self
• Technologist acquires and maintains knowledge in CT dose optimization and the factors that directly affect radiation dose from the CT scanner to the patient
• Performs both daily and monthly quality control - daily required calibration - and records appropriate performance as required by facility policy
• Technologist receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy - appropriateness
• date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS
• Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat - pre-op - urgent - and routine exams
• Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff - as mandated by the Medical Center and Radiology Service Infection Control policies
• Use independent judgment and possess the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus
• Maintains competency and thorough knowledge of the processes for Critical - Semi-Critical - and Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) that document the process and procedures for cleaning - disinfection - sterilization and preparation of RME and follows established procedures for all RME
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday -Thursday 10:30am - 9:00PM 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