Job opening: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)
Salary: $68 512 - 89 062 per year
Published at: Aug 23 2023
Employment Type: Full-time
This position serves as the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performing all aspects of Computed Axial Tomography also known as CT scan, 50% of the time including but not limited to Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, Extremities, CT Angiography, Biopsies, and all aspects of Interventional CT Scan.
Duties
Perform CT/DRT imaging of the spine, head and neck studies utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis.
Perform CT/DRT imaging of the peripheral and visceral vessels through CT/DRT Angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities. These CT/DRT angiographic studies include renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated equipment, such as pressure injectors and 3D Reconstruction Software.
Technologist meets the requirements set forth in See VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-25. , maintaining certification provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, in order to perform Radiographic examinations.
Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Imaging service procedure manual for guidelines on Administration of Contrast Media After-Hours, Guidelines for Power Injection of Contrast Media, Use of Gadolinium and iodinated contrast within the CT/DRT Section and policy for use of Contrast Media.
Adhere 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.
Prepare contrast materials that are used in CT, CTA Angiography, 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.
Work with schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments.
Practice CT/DRT Safety in order to reduce injury to patients, staff and self.
Confer with radiologists to establish requirements of examinations and determines optional factors, etc. to satisfy additional requests to determine the diagnostic results.
Perform reconstructions of CT, and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure.
Work Schedule: TBD Weekends
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 80499F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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.
a. 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.)
b. 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.]
c. 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.]
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:
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) 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.
Grade Determinations:
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-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs 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.
Preferred Experience: Minimum 1 years CT experience
References: APPENDIX G25. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST
QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0647
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-09.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
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 Orlando VA Medical Center
13800 Veterans Way
Orlando, FL 32827
US
- Name: Nikki Merkes
- Phone: 708-953-2851
- Email: [email protected]
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