Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Ann Arbor seeks a Radiology CT Technologist to perform computed tomography exams, often with contrast, to support accurate diagnoses.

You will collaborate with radiology nurses, radiologists, clinicians, and staff to deliver high-quality imaging, efficient workflow, and patient satisfaction. Responsibilities include selecting factors, preparing contrast, reconstructions, and ensuring radiation safety.

Qualifications

• Certification by ARRT in radiography (R) required.
• Advanced ARRT certification for CT preferred/required where applicable.
• Completion of a 24-month post-high school radiologic technology program.

Responsibilities

• Perform CT exams of head, neck, spine, chest and body with or without contrast.
• Schedule exams to optimize scanner time and reduce wait times.
• Determine technical factors, positioning, and scan parameters.
• Explain exams to patients and ensure safety protocols.
• Maintain patient records and verify correct image identification.
• Participate in ongoing education and quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Computed tomography

Image quality control

Patient care

English proficiency

Education

ARRT-certified radiography

JRCERT-accredited program

CT advanced certification

Tools

CT scanner

Job description

Summary

The Radiology CT Technologist is responsible for performing computed tomography. Exams are often performed with the use of contrast materials. These exams is used to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment. Works closely with the radiology nurses - radiologists - clinicians - Chief Technologist - and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control - efficient coordination of activities - high quality diagnostic/therapeutic exam results - and patient satisfaction.

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 2 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).]
• 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 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
• 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: 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
• Preferred Experience: Knowledge of Canon/Toshiba and Philips Ct Scanner Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 9
• Physical Requirements: This position requires Heavy Lifting - 45 pounds & over
• heavy carrying - 45 pounds & over - straight pulling (4 hours)
• pushing (4 hours)
• use of fingers
• both hands required
• walking & standing 8-12 hours
• repeated bending 8 hours
• both legs required
• ability for rapid mental & muscular coordination simultaneously
• near vision correctable@ 13"" to 16"" to Jaeger I to 4
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
• depth perception
• ability to distinguish shades of colors
• hearing (aide permitted)
• Transferring patients and objects may be required
• The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures
• The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who arc combative secondary to delirium - dementia - or psychiatric disorders
• The incumbent must be a mature - flexible - sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations - ab le to shift priorities based on patient needs.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include but is not limited to: a
• Performs computerized tomography of the head - neck - spine - chest and body with and without the use of contrast materials
• b
• Participates with scheduling exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times and reduce wait times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• c
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of nonstandard exams
• Determines technical factors - positioning - number and thickness of scans - etc. - to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning
• Advises and notifies radiologists or referring physicians of examination results requiring their immediate attention
• Works closely with Radiology Nursing staff to achieve common objectives during special procedures
• d
• May perform exams - such as biopsies - and drainage placements utilizing surgical sterile techniques
• e
• May assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists in the performance of the exam
• Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition - sterile field - catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations - etc
• The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination - recognize patient reactions - anticipate technique factor difficulties - etc
• f
• Prepares contrast materials
• g
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• h
• Performs image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study
• i
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• j
• Properly identifies patient images
• k
• Responsible for the intravenous injection of contrast media
• l
• Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possible
• m
• Responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance as stipulated by agencies such as JCAHO - IG - VHA - and local VA facility - as well as department policies
• n
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography
• o
• Responsible for the accurate capturing and maximization of "CPT" codes per procedure
• p
• Participates in mentoring or trains new technicians in digital computed tomography and other special procedures
• q
• Participates in "on-call" for CT Scan and Special Procedures as assigned
• r
• Other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00 a.m
• - 4:30 p.m.
• Scheduled On Call - Rotating Holidays and Weekends Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized