Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography (CT)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ New Mexico Veterans Hospital radiology department seeks an Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) for computed tomography.

The CT technologist operates independently, providing 24-hour on-site CT availability and supports complex imaging procedures. Required ARRT certification with CT qualification; completion of a JRCERT-accredited program; strong patient care and radiation safety skills.

Qualifications

• Certification: ARRT in Radiography required; CT certification may be required for CT duties.
• Ability to perform cross-sectional CT imaging including protocols and dose optimization.
• Strong patient communication and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Operates CT imaging systems to obtain diagnostic image quality with minimal radiation.
• Works independently in CT section; collaborates with radiologists and CT/IR supervisor as needed.
• Maintains ALARA principles and ensures contrast materials are prepared safely.

Skills

ARRT Certification CT

Patient care

Independent work

Education

JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program

Job description

Summary

This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Computed Tomography (CT) - position is assigned to the New Mexico Veterans Hospital - Radiology Service; Computed Tomography section. The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Computed Tomography Technologist - employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and is able to carry out the assigned tasks independently during varied shifts and "on call" time to provide 24 hour on site CT availability.

Summary

This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Computed Tomography (CT) - position is assigned to the New Mexico Veterans Hospital - Radiology Service; Computed Tomography section. The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Computed Tomography Technologist - employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and is able to carry out the assigned tasks independently during varied shifts and "on call" time to provide 24 hour on site CT availability.

Qualifications

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).] 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)
• 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 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.] Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-09 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
• ***KSA Requirement*** - All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package
• We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications
• Failure to demonstrate your experience and knowledge - skills - and abilities (KSAs) in your application may result in disqualification
• It is strongly recommended that you write each KSA (found below) to demonstrate how you have gained each one in your application package or on a supplemental document
• 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/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over
• moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
• pushing up to 4 hours
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required)
• prolonged walking - prolonged standing
• repeated bending
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• hearing (aid permitted)
• speed in working
• and emotional stability
• Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

Duties

• Duties and responsibilities include - but are not limited to: 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
• Technologist works under the supervision of the CT/IR Supervisor and rotates all responsibilities within the CT section
• He/she works independently on most exams - but confers with Radiologists and the CT/IR Supervisor on more difficult problems
• Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives
• 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 Head - Neck - Chest - Abdomen - Pelvis Extremities - 30 Reconstructions of CT - Multi-Planar Reformats CT and Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure
• Performs all aspects of CT lnterventional Radiography - including Biopsies - RF Ablations - Abscess drainages - cyst aspirations - etc
• Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis - Carotids - Abdominal Aortas - Run-Off's - including CT Cardiac Imaging (Cardiac trained technologists only) and CT Myelography utilizing specialized series to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis
• 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
• Performs lnterventional CT biopsy exams - microwave ablations - cryo ablations - and drain placements utilizing surgical sterile techniques
• This requires proper preparation of sterile trays - proper labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays - knowledge of supplies and specific locations - and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment
• Incumbent will work with the radiologist/physician as a member of the surgical /CT team
• Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologist/physician and the performance of the exam
• They must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition and sterile field
• He/she works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and the CT/IR Supervisor on more difficult problems
• Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives
• Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT - to include CT Angiography and other exams
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and - therefore - it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it
• In addition - the technologist must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders
• Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient
• Technologist is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material - when necessary
• The technologist is trained in the proper use of power injectors
• Technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• This is achieved by optimizing technical factors and ensuring all policies and procedure are adhered to
• Technologist acquires and maintains knowledge in CT dose optimization and the factors that directly affect radiation dose from the CT scanner to the patient
• Technologist must utilize lead aprons - lead gloves - and lead shields when exposed to radiation
• Film badges are worn by the technologists and exchanged in a timely manner - which is in compliance with radiation regulations
• Adheres to Radiation Safety guidelines - properly determines applying technical factors to ensure ALARA dose optimization - positioning - required views - etc
• to produce and satisfy requirements for diagnostic imaging and CT exams
• Work Schedule: Saturday through Wednesday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm 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