This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Computed Tomography (CT), position is assigned to the Radiology Service, CT section within the Tennessee Valley Health Care system. The Advanced DRT, (CT) employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and is able to carry out the assigned tasks independently. The Advanced DRT/CT technologist will spend equal time performing general diagnostic radiology procedures to include portable exams and performing CT examinations.

Duties

Functions include but not limited to: Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment. Utilizes the least amount of radiation to obtain quality. Technologist works under the supervision of Radiology Supervisor and rotates all responsibilities within the CT and Radiology sections. Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology. Performs all aspects of CT imaging. Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis, Carotids, Abdominal Aortas, Run-Off's, and CT Myelography utilizing specialized series to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Work with the radiologist/physician as a member of the Radiology /CT team. Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service procedure manual for guidelines. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT, to include CT Angiography and other exams. Be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Acquires and maintains knowledge in CT dose optimization and the factors that directly affect radiation dose from the CT scanner to the patient. Adheres to Radiation Safety guidelines. Be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Competent and educated in all organizational/service policies pertaining to the technologist and their assigned work section. Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, urgent, and routine exams. Works with CT and Radiology schedules to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments. Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff, as mandated by the Medical Center and Radiology Service Infection Control policies. Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in the department. Use independent judgment and possess the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. Properly identifies patient information by using full name and full social security number and/or hospital name band. Responsible for minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Reporting major issues with equipment. Assists in other areas of the department as needed. Responsible for importing and exporting images and reports as requested to maintain veterans Electronic Health Records. Responsible to adhering to the Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) policies and procedures within the Radiology Service. Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations, using protective equipment when required and provided. Ensures complete and thorough knowledge of the employee competency folder, maintain the ability to review each section with complete understanding of the individual requirements. Continually reviews new developments in the fields of Radiology and CT, which may require mandatory off-site training for new equipment training. Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients. Technologist uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving email through Microsoft Outlook. They will also use the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) to access information in the Medical Center Computer System and the hospital Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) Systems for patient information storage. Detailed functions listed in the functional statement. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Midnight - 8:00am Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 70244-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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 computed tomography (CT). 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). 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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: GS-10 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 interrelationship 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. Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments: Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act(MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.] References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 December 13, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. In accordance with Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer Bulletin, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated September 30, 2022; Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, 0647 (all specializations are included) are not subject to Veterans Preference. This will continue until September 30, 2023. Veterans Preference will not be collected for this announcement.

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 Tennessee Valley HCS - Nashville 1310 24th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37212 US
• Name: Crystal Noriega
• Phone: (512) 317-1310
• Email: [email protected]