Summary

The Birmingham VA - Diagnostic Imaging Service is seeking a full-time Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) for the VA Medical Center in Birmingham Alabama.

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:

• 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)
• 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 To meet the requirements for the GS-09 grade level Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist do you possess At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-08) which demonstrates the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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
• Reference: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25
• 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: Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over - Reaching above shoulder - Use of fingers - Both hands required - Walking 6 hours - Standing 8 hours - Specific visual requirement: Ability to read typewritten characters with or w/o glasses - Specific hearing requirements: Ability to hear conversational voice with or w/o hearing aid - Emotional and Mental Stability.

Duties

• The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) will perform daily inspection and operate the CT scanner under the general direction of the Supervisory DRT (CT) or Lead CT Technologist or Chief Technologist of Radiology - the CT Technologist works independently and performs computed tomography examination procedures
• He/she will perform all diagnostic radiology CT exams (head - neck - spine - chest - abdomen - pelvis - and extremities) - CTA's and CT guided procedures (biopsies - drainage - ablation)
• The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment will be delivered
• These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials - so the technologist is required to be able to establishes IV access and administers IV contrast
• He/she will observe patient for signs and symptoms of adverse contrast reaction while initiating the appropriate response for varying levels of severity
• The selectee will discuss any exam that deviates from normal protocol set by the radiologist
• The duties performed are almost exclusively hands-on technical duties
• The incumbent will assure optimum patient care - quality control - and comply with departmental SOPs
• The CT Technologist will work with the Radiation Safety Officer and Radiologist with Quality Control (QC) testing while minimizing patient dose
• The incumbent practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient - staff and self
• This is achieved by the using the proper radiation apparel (aprons - thyroid shield - lead glasses) and collimation
• Radiation monitors for all individuals are always required to be worn during all procedures whether observing or participating to assure compliance of radiation safety policy
• The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• The incumbent maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface
• The incumbent utilizes the computerized patient record system (CPRS) to assist with accessing pertinent patient data as required
• He/she will be familiar with the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) computer system to access other information and documentation as needed while assuring correct CPT codes are utilized
• They are also responsible for stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas
• He/she must report equipment malfunctions to the supervisor in a timely manner
• The incumbent must be professional - cooperative and be able to work with other employees
• He/she must demonstrate professionalism to promote good relations with other services
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 3:00pm - 11:30pm - with rotating holiday - some on-call - and coverage for night and weekend
• This subject to change based on the operational needs of the agency
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: FS 58702F