Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Computed Tomography (CT).

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Radiologic Technologist to perform CT examinations of the head, neck, spine, chest and body, with or without contrast. The incumbent operates independently, adheres to credentialing standards, and applies advanced knowledge where required.

Education must meet JRCERT-approved standards and ARRT certification must be current. Applicants may be referred while completing requirements; full qualifications must be met prior to hiring, with emphasis on

Qualifications

• Certification and ongoing credentialing required to perform radiologic procedures.
• Experience with CT, MRI or mammography may be noted as advanced certification if applicable.
• Education must be a JRCERT-accredited program or recognized equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Perform CT examinations of head, neck, spine, chest, body and extremities.
• Operate independently and without direct supervision.
• May use contrast materials and ensure image quality for diagnostic use.
• Maintain credentialing and standards per applicable regulations.

Skills

Radiologic technology

CT imaging

Clinical competencies

Independent practice

Education

ARRT certification (R)

24-month radiologic program

Tools

CT scanner

Radiology equipment

Job description

The incumbent's primary responsibilities are in the performance of Computerized Tomographic (CT) examinations. Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck spine, chest, body and extremities. These exams may be performed with the use of contrast materials. Operates independently and without direct supervision in the performance of computerized tomography examinations and special procedures.

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.

Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.)

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.]

Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that people 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.

Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

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 REQUIREMENTS.

Creditable Experience

Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non- paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT.

Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.

Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full-time credit for each two weeks of half-time work.

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.]

GRADE DETERMINATIONS.

1. Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
2. Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues.
3. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
   1. Ability to check systems for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
   2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
   3. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
   4. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
   5. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
   6. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

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-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08.