Summary

The technologist will perform quality diagnostic examinations that include - but are not limited to - CT examinations of the chest - abdomen - pelvis - head - extremities - neck - etc. The technologist will also assist the radiologist in performing interventional procedures under CT guidance. The technologist may be cross trained in special procedures to maximize utilization of personnel.

Qualifications

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
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• 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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] 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.] Must have advanced ARRT Computed Tomography (CT) certification
• 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: (1) 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
• (2) 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
• (3) 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
• (4) 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
• (5) 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
• 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)
• 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 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: (a) [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: 2 years CT experience in a hospital setting
• 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 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The incumbent will perform examinations that include - but are not limited to - CT examinations of the chest - abdomen - pelvis - head - extremities - neck - etc
• The incumbent will also assist the radiologist in performing interventional procedures under CT guidance.The incumbent may be cross-trained in special procedures to maximize utilization of personnel
• The incumbent will also participate in on-call or standby to provide 24 hour - 7 day a week
• will also participate in the departmental in-service program
• This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification in Computed Tomography (CT)
• (1) Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table
• (2) Prepare room - equipment and material needed for patient procedures
• (3) Prepares oral and injectable contrast and other chemical mixtures as necessary
• (4) Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures
• (5) Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events.) 6) Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams - credit of patient visits - complications and /or quality improvement activities of the Radiology Department
• 7) Performs daily maintenance of head and body phantoms - such as changing water - cleaning and removing air bubbles - etc
• 8) Administer contrast material - under the direction of the radiologist - according to protocols
• 9) Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort - ward secretaries - nursing personnel - etc
• 10) Maintain a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms at all times
• 11) Properly identifies patient images
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur
• The technician must be certain that the patient I.D
• band and the request are identical
• Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name andsocial security number
• 12) The incumbent is responsible for the quality assurance of the image (positioning/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PAC's network
• The incumbent assists house staff in use of Vista Rad system and can also digitize films for the network and/or transmission to offsite locations
• Provide education to patients and their families on Imaging procedures
• 13) Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• 14) Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography and other exams
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and - therefore - it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it
• In addition - must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders
• Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient
• Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material - and the proper use of pressure injectors
• 15) Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique
• the storage of sterile supplies
• the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'
• proper attire
• hand washing practices
• and continuing education
• 16) Clerical and file room duties related to patient care
• 17) Other duties as assigned
• 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 Work Schedule: 2:30pm-11pm