Summary

The incumbent's primary responsibilities are in the performance of Computerized Tomographic (CT) examinations. Independently performs computerized tomography of the head - neck spine - chest - body - and extremities These exams may be performed with the use of contrast materials. Operates independently and without direct supervision in the performance of computerized tomography examinations and special procedures.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship
• Be a citizen of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g.) 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 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.] 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 obtain certification within two years - or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
• 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
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• GRADE REQUIREMENTS
• Creditable Experience 1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice
• To be creditable - experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice
• This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice - which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT
• (2) Quality of Experience
• Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above
• Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
• (3) Part-Time Experience
• Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek
• For example - a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work
• Specialized Assignments
• Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R) - bone densitometry (BD) - mammography (M) - diagnostic ultrasound (S) - computed tomography (CT) - [ ] magnetic resonance imaging (MR) - [ ] [interventional radiologic technology (IR)] - quality management (QM) - [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist - MRI safety officer (MRSO) - imaging administrator - clinical program director - and clinical instructor
• 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 inter 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.] [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
• The incumbent's primary responsibilities are in the performance of Computerized Tomographic (CT) examinations
• Independently performs computerized tomography of the head - neck spine - chest - body - and extremities

Duties

• Functions: a
• Schedules exams in a manner to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery - etc
• b
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams
• Determines technical factors - positioning - number - and thickness of scans - etc. - to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning
• Schedules patients for examinations
• Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results
• Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention
• Ensures all images and associated series are transmitted to the PACS immediately upon completion
• c
• Performs computerized axial angiography exams per protocols
• Performs reconstructions of CT angiography studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• d
• Responsible for routine monitoring and stocking of all CT supplies and related materials to ensure optimal inventory levels
• e
• Adheres to 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
• f
• Works in close collaboration with the radiologist as a member of the radiology team
• Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists in the performance of the CT exam and related special procedures
• Must demonstrate effective situational awareness of but not limited to the patient's condition - examination protocols - equipment operability - environmental hazards - active/passive safety measures - and emergency procedures
• The alertness of the individual is essential to recognize patient reactions - anticipate technique factor difficulties - and effectively respond to workplace emergencies - etc
• g
• Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT exams
• Improper use or administration of contrast materials runs 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 - we must be continuously 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 when necessary
• h
• Public Law 97-35 requires people hired after 1987 who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR - Part 75 - must be certified as radiographers in their fields and maintain annual licensure renewal
• Per VA Handbook 5005/77 Part II Appendix G25 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard all CT technologists hired after June 26 - 2014 - must be ARRT certified with Advanced certification in CT
• CPR certification is required and recertification in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines
• i
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• This is achieved using lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead lined walls - collimation - exam screening/verification - dose monitoring - annual staff safety training and daily QA
• Technologists must wear film badges in compliance with radiation regulations
• j
• 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 at least two identifiers: patient name - full date of birth or social security number
• k
• Responsible to explain basic exam indications - preparation requirements and contraindications to alert and oriented patients so that patients understand the general exam procedure to include adverse effects - if any - are possible
• l
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• This includes the proper registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system - copying images (to PACS - CD or film) - logging patients on the HIS-RIS work list
• m
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography through continuing education compliance activities
• Continually strives to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available
• The purpose of this review is to provide patients with the highest quality imaging for diagnostic purposes
• n
• Receives patients - explains method of procedure - and obtains signed consents for interventional procedures and patients who have been determined to be high risk for administration of contrast media
• The incumbent is responsible for proper positioning of patients
• o
• Performs Quality Assurance testing and associated documentation as assigned
• Work Schedule: Mon-Fri - 0800-1630