Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist- CT

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 64,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist- Computer Tomography (DRT-CT) position is with the Diagnostic Imaging Service at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center.

The role focuses on CT imaging of the head, neck, spine, chest and body, using spiral or multi-slice CT techniques and ensuring diagnostic-quality images. Applicants must meet ARRT certification requirements for radiography, advance CT certification, and complete a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program.

Qualifications

• Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• CT imaging knowledge and ability to interpret CT requests.
• Solid understanding of cross sectional anatomy and how it applies to CT procedures.
• Certification in Radiography (ARRT, R) is required.
• Advanced ARRT CT certification is required for CT procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform CT scans of the head, neck, spine, chest and body.
• Interpret examination requests and ensure correct protocol and safety.
• Ensure image quality and proper documentation for diagnostic use.
• Operate CT equipment and maintain sterility and patient comfort.
• Possibly participate in advanced CT exams and patient positioning.

Skills

English language proficiency

CT imaging knowledge

Cross-sectional anatomy knowledge

Education

ARRT Certification in Radiography (R)

Advanced ARRT CT certification

Certificate or Associate degree in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT-accredited)

Job description

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist- Computer Tomography (DRT-CT) is assigned to the Diagnostic Imaging Service at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center. This position requires computerized tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest and body.

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 computed tomography (CT).
• 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.
• 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 Department of Education, and be certified as radiographers in their field.

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).

• Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
• DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
• DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.
• DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
• DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
• Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT.

NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry.

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-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, 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

3. [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 (*):

• *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. i
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
• *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
• Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
• Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Reference:

https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements:

The work requires physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, stooping and lifting of patients on and off the x-ray table, some of who are injured or unconscious, and pushing x-ray and fluoroscopic equipment. Requires heavy lifting 45 pounds and over with or without assistance and the aid of mechanical lift equipment; moderate lifting 15-44 pounds; lift lifting under 15 pounds; moderate carrying 15-44 pounds; light carrying under 15 pounds; straight pulling; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors.