Summary

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.

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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• 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
• *** Copy required with Application packet 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)
• ***Transcripts required with application packet
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-CT - GS-9 (Above Full Performance Level) (1) Experience
• At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• (2) Assignments
• 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
• (3) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of 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
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• References: VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Appendix G25 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard dated December 13 - 2019
• This can be found in the local Human Resources Office
• This position is above the full performance level of this series at the GS-9 Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with the work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Duties

• CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES: A
• Confers with requesting services so as 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
• C
• Performs exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques
• This requires \"scrub-in technique -\" preparation of surgical trays - preparation of contrast - supplying of catheters and guide wires - sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient
• 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
• D
• Works with the radiologist as a member of the surgical/radiographic team
• Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam
• Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition - sterile field - catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations - etc
• The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination - recognize patient reactions - anticipate technique factor difficulties - etc
• E
• Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT 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
• ln 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
• ls trained to insert lV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary
• Calculates eGFR values and utilizes iStat analyzer
• F
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• This is achieved by using lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead lined walls and collimation
• Film badges are worn by the technicians to ensure compliance with radiation regulations
• G
• Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• H
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• This includes patient registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system
• I
• 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 l.D
• band and the request are identical
• Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number
• J
• Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possible
• Obtains consent from the patient or authorized person for invasive procedures
• K
• Performs irregular hour emergency scans on standby - 24 hours per day coverage
• Requires the technologist be available within 45 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient
• Performs diagnostic radiographic examinations as required
• L
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography and radiology
• ls continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available
• The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes
• M
• The primary age of patients treated and cared for are normally at the geriatric level - i.e
• 60 years of age or older - although occasionally there may be younger patients between the ages of 18-60 years of age that require care
• The position requires the incumbent to possess or develop an understanding of the particular needs of these types of patients
• Sensitivity to the special needs of all patients in respect to age - developmental requirements - and culturally related factors must be consistently achieved
• Work Schedule: 8:00AM-4:30PM (Occasional On-Call hours) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required