Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist -CT

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pittsburgh VA Medical Center Imaging Department seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) to perform CT procedures, prepare equipment, and collaborate with radiologists to meet clinical requirements. Rotating shifts and a demanding caseload are typical for this role.

Required are ARRT (R), completion of a JRCERT-accredited program, and at least one year of experience at the next lower grade. Strong anatomy knowledge and patient safety protocol adherence are essential.

Qualifications

• Must have ARRT (R) certification in radiography and an endorsed JRCERT-accredited program.
• At least 1 year experience at the GS-8 level or equivalent.
• Advanced ARRT certification for CT/MRI/Mammography as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Perform a full range of diagnostic CT procedures.
• Interpret requests from physicians and coordinate with radiologists.
• Ensure patient safety and adherence to ALARA principles.
• Maintain accurate radiographic records and logs.

Skills

Cross-sectional anatomy

CT imaging

Radiologic procedures

Patient care

Team communication

Education

ARRT certification (R)

JRCERT-accredited program

Advanced ARRT certification for CT/MRI/Mammography

Tools

CT scanner operation

Radiography equipment

VISTA/DHCP records

Job description

Summary

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.

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: 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.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The position of a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) serves the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center - Imaging Department as a multi-disciplined technologist with primary responsibilities for performing a full range of diagnostic radiological procedures
• Receives requests from requesting physicians
• Schedules patients
• Adjusts patient examination priorities as needed to accommodate urgent - emergency - and maximum caseload in CT scanning
• Accommodates and adjusts to the examination priorities as established by the concerned supervisor for all other radiological cases
• Confers with radiologists to establish imaging goals and clinical requirements for non-standard examinations and assists radiologist with CT interventional procedures
• Prepares all necessary ancillary equipment needed for studies such as physiologic monitors - injectors - needles - catheters and guide wires
• as well as preparing any necessary setups such as biopsy trays and interventional trays - in conformance with strict sterile techniques
• Independently performs standard examinations in all areas of expertise using radiographic study guidelines with radiologist clinical orders or protocols
• Serves as a reference person in the educating of technologists - residents - nurses - and other allied health personnel in all areas of radiologic technology/CT expertise
• Properly maintains all necessary patient radiographic records including technical factors - CT logbooks - VISTA - Stentor - DHCP - core data - archive material documentation (tape or disc) - film identification - and technologist identification
• Interprets test results and consults with the physician especially any scans requiring immediate attention or intervention while the examination is in progress or to alert the physician of any condition which could be considered life-threatening to the patient
• Assists physicians and other employees in the development and execution of research protocols and maintaining the records as necessary to validate the research or training project or funding grant
• Assists and develops training programs for new CT/diagnostic radiographic technologists - physicians in training - and general clinical employees
• Monitors patient's condition by observation and reports any unusual condition to physician - nurse - chief technologist - or designee of chief technologist
• Assists the physician in obtaining laboratory values needed prior to performing interventional CT procedures - such as PT - PTT - and INR values
• Assists and develops training programs for new CT/diagnostic radiographic technologists - physicians in training - and general clinical employees
• Assists physician in obtaining informed/written injection consent
• Prepares and administers oral or rectal contrast under the supervision of a radiologist
• Uses radiation safety devices to properly shield patients within childbearing years - when possible
• Uses radiation safety devices - aprons and thyroid shield (optional) when performing procedures in which exposure is possible
• Schedules patients for exams - making adjustments to examination priorities as needed to accommodate urgent - emergency - and maximum caseload in CT scanning
• Work Schedule: Rotating shifts - weekends - and holiday coverage
• Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact [e-mail] - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more 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 Functional Statement #: 000000