Summary

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT). The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) will function in Imaging Service.

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
• 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)
• 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
• 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: 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
• Experience at the GS-8 level may include: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSA's)In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA's: 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: Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 9
• Physical Requirements: The incumbent will be required to perform heavy lifting -45 pounds or over - and moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
• The work requires pushing and reaching above shoulder
• The technologist will be needed to stand - walk and bend
• Heavy lifting of totally incapacitated patient is done only with the help of others using approved patient lifting equipment.

Duties

• A CT (Computed Tomography) Technologist is a specialized healthcare professional responsible for performing advanced diagnostic imaging procedures using CT scanners to assist radiologists and physicians in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions
• The following CT scan types: Head - Neck - Chest & Lungs - Abdomen & Pelvis - Spine - Extremities (MSK) - CT Angiography (CTA) - CT Perfusion - Cardiac - SPECT - Drainages - Biopsies - CT Enterography - Urography - RFA - MWA and other tailored protocols
• CT technologists must be adept at operating diverse scanning protocols - from routine anatomical studies to advanced functional and vascular imaging
• Their responsibilities include precise protocol selection - contrast administration - ECG gating for cardiac studies - and applying dose reduction techniques-all while ensuring image quality and patient safety
• Duties include but are not limited to: Prioritizes exams in a manner to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• Collaborates with Radiologists on protocols and contrast utilization
• Knowledge and ability to select proper protocols to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning under the direction of the radiologist
• Notifies radiologist of scans requiring their immediate attention
• Adheres to ACR Guidelines and Medical Center Policies regarding sterile technique - hospital infection control and safety policies.
• Works with the Radiologist as a member of the CT Interventional Radiographic team
• Prepares contrast materials used in various CT exams
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient - staff and self
• 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
• Ensures ALARA principle is applied
• (As low as reasonably achievable)
• Performs 3D and multi-planar-reconstructions of various CT studies when requested or when part of a standard protocol
• The ability to use the EHR system and PACS for registration and completion of exams and successful transmission of images for interpretation
• Properly identifies patient according to Medical Center policy
• Educates patients on their CT exams
• Stocks and inventories all CT supplies and related materials
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of CT
• Work Schedule: Full Time - Mid-shift (11:30 a.m
• - 8:00 p.m.) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized