Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Garner (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The incumbent at US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair performs CT examinations of the head, neck, spine, chest, body, and extremities, often independently, following ARRT standards. Applicants may be referred while meeting education and certification requirements.

Qualifications include U.S. citizenship, a 24-month JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program, ARRT radiography certification, and advanced CT certification for CT duties. English proficiency is required for this VA role.

Qualifications

• Must be ARRT certified in radiography (R) with advanced CT certification for CT duties.
• Completion of a 24-month radiologic technology program accredited by JRCERT.
• U.S. citizenship is required for VA employment.

Responsibilities

• Independently performs CT examinations of the head, neck, spine, chest, body, and extremities.
• Adheres to credentialing standards, safety protocols, and QA requirements.

Skills

CT imaging

Radiologic technology

Patient communication

Education

JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program (24 months)

Tools

ARRT-certified radiologic technologist

Job description

The incumbent's primary responsibilities are in the performance of Computerized Tomographic {CT} examinations. Independently performs computerized tomography of the head, neck spine, chest, body, and extremities. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred to and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements

• Citizenship. 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.] (1) 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 U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field
• 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).
• 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).
  

  Grade Determinations

  In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the applicant must meet experience and demonstrate all KSAs requirement.
  

  Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9

  (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 and complexity 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.
  

  Assignment: 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.
  

  Preferred Experience:

  1- 2 years Computed Tomography experience
  Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
• Physical Requirements: Bending, pushing, pulling, reaching and occasional kneeling, crawling and squatting; lifting, carrying, bending, 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 speak and hear to communicate with patients; and have the ability to make critical decisions, interact with patients of different ages and health conditions, maintain patient confidentiality, and work under stressful conditions, such as operating or emergency rooms.

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).

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is . The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09.