Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist -CT

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

US Department of Veterans Affairs in Pittsburgh area is seeking a GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography). The role focuses on CT imaging, patient care, and ensuring high-quality diagnostic images. Applicants must meet ARRT certification requirements and education standards; this position may require advanced CT certification.

EDRP eligibility applies; reference VA policy for details. Work involves collaboration with radiology team, adherence to safety, and ongoing

Qualifications

• US citizenship required.
• English language proficiency required.
• ARRT certification; advanced CT certification if duties include CT.
• Education: 24-month post-high school radiologic technology program, JRCERT accredited.
• Credentialing standards compliance and grandfathering provisions may apply.

Responsibilities

• Perform CT scans with attention to image quality and patient safety.
• Interpret and verify examination requests for accuracy and appropriateness.
• Maintain aseptic technique and patient care during procedures.
• Collaborate with radiologists and radiology staff to optimize imaging.
• Maintain and calibrate CT equipment and ensure serviceability.

Skills

Cross-sectional anatomy

CT imaging expertise

Image quality assessment

Patient safety practices

Interpreting orders & requests

Education

Associate degree in Radiologic Technology

Tools

CT scanners

Radiology Information Systems

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

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: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• 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).
  • 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.
• Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

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

GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography)

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 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.

Experience

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-08, that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

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 below.

• Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
• 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.

Preferred Experience

Experience with Coronary CTA, Calcium Scoring, TAVR Imaging, and 3D post processing.

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-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements

The physical work of the position requires lifting, assisting patients to a lying or sitting position. Sitting, prolonged standing and walking. Kneeling, bending, twisting, pushing and or pulling. Reaching above shoulder to operate machinery.Good dexterity (both hands required). Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.