The technologist independently performs routine and complex computed tomography (CT) procedures according to established protocol, in a safe and professional manner. The technologist will also independently perform as a diagnostic radiologic technologist (DRT) and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations and any additional duties as appointed by the EHCC and Marion Imaging Supervisor.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Receives the patient, explains procedure, alleviates concerns and apprehensions, prepares and positions patient, adjusts the couch or gantry components to produce the proper exposure factors for the most diagnostic examination available, and obtains the appropriate views to facilitate diagnostic investigation. Independently performs standard and emergency computed tomography and diagnostic procedures, institutes modifications required to accommodate unusual or difficult patients or disease processes. Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when required as part of a standard procedure. Notifies the radiologist, or other appropriate official of any situation in which prompt or immediate medical, surgical or interventional attention may be required. 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. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy diagnostic requirement. Notifies radiologists or referring physicians of scans requiring their immediate attention. Adheres to facility 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. Works in conjunction with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Technologist must continuously be alert of the patient's condition to recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT and diagnostic exams. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that the technologist thoroughly understand the use of contrast material. The technologist is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material. Routinely cleans and inspects equipment to insure proper mechanical and electrical operation and promptly reports any deficiencies to the supervisor. Complies with JCAHO and OSHA standards to avoid exposure and cross contamination by infectious materials. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self, utilizing lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technicians in compliance with radiation regulations. Technologist reports any irregularities to the Imaging Supervisor and Radiation Safety Officer immediately. Continually reviews new developments in the field of diagnostics and computerized tomography while striving to improve performance, expand knowledge, and facilitate growth and development to the benefit of the employee and the employer. Assists the Imaging Supervisor with the implementation of advances in computed tomography, diagnostics and workplace modifications. Edits patient exams in the computerized information system. Archives scans in an appropriate time frame and manner. Properly identifies patients and images using two patient identifiers. images. Assists the Imaging Supervisor and/or Lead CT technologist with facility or departmental projects and committees when needed. Responsible for stocking and inventory of CT and diagnostic supplies and related materials. Assists with copies, clerical, and scheduling duties as needed. Works with staff in the department and facility to promote an atmosphere of trust, teamwork, and responsibility. Performs additional duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Functional Statement #: 000000 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Work requires frequent bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items. Use of portable x-ray and ultrasound units in the department, other facility areas and in the operating room requires twisting, turning to manipulate the equipment. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is to be done only with the help of other employees. Preferred Experience: 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).

Requirements

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).] 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. 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). 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: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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: Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-8 Assignments: Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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. 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 (GS-09) may be appointed to the following assignments: 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 (*): *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 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Marion VA Medical Center 2401 West Main Street Marion, IL 62959 US
• Name: Leslie Doyle
• Phone: 9284454860 X6968
• Email: [email protected]