CT Technologists at VA Greater Los Angeles require specific knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, as well as familiarity with the performance of imaging-guided procedures such as drainages and biopsies. Provides coverage to the Computed Tomography (CT) section and is an expert in performing all CT-based examinations.

Duties

The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Supervisor of Radiologic Technologists in the Imaging Service. Works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and Supervisor on more difficult problems. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives. Duties include but not limited to: 1. The incumbent is an expert performing all CT examinations. He/she is an expert in performing CT examinations in multiple planes, including axial, coronal, sagittal and dynamic blood flow studies of the head and/or body. These studies include the ability to reformat CT images as directed by the Radiologist. The incumbent works independently in performing CT examinations, confers with radiologists only to establish the requirements of nonstandard examinations, and determines technical requirements of the CT examination. The Technologist independently reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested. If a discrepancy exists, the Technologist will make an independent determination and take the appropriate corrective action. 2. The Technologist performs daily pre-procedure calibrations on the scanner. The Technologist interprets this information to determine if the scanner is within diagnostic specification. If needed, the Technologist will take corrective action, and redo the calibration to bring the scanner values to acceptable levels. 3. The Technologist is proficient in venipuncture for those exams requiring the administration of IV contrast. 4. The Technologist will make an independent decision on the injection flow rate and the delay time of imaging of the automated power injector based on the knowledge of the suspected pathology, and his independent assessment of the viability of the patient's vein. 5. The Technologist must use a wide variety of computerized equipment specific to CT, as well as be proficient with the use of power injector systems, patient monitoring devices, colon insufflators, 3D workstations and the PACS, IMPAX computer viewing station software. The Technologist must also be proficient with the hospital computer systems such as VISTA and CPRS as well as be proficient in exam selection. 6. The Technologist maintains the CT area with proper medical and Emergency supplies needed for optimal patient care, safety and efficiency. 7. The Technologist maintains all CT record keeping that is required and takes an active role in the hospital and Radiology QM and Safety Programs. 8. The Technologist independently reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested. In addition, the MRI Technologist will determine which protocol and sequences will be scanned based on the patient's clinical history and diagnosis. 9. The MRI Technologist may also make an independent judgment to obtain additional images, perform post processing functions such as MIPs, vascular isolation, 3-Dimensional reconstructions, or perform additional post processing to achieve effectively thinner slices, or use a different processing algorhythm to better achieve the diagnostic objective. The Technologist may need to perform additional 3-Dimensional reconstructions on the 3D workstation post procedure, to further isolate vascular or other structures of interest to enhance the diagnostic effectiveness of the exam. 10. The Technologist is proficient in venipuncture for those exams requiring the administration of IV contrast. 11. The MRI technologist performs daily pre-procedure quality control on the scanner. The Technologist interprets this information to determine if the scanner is within diagnostic specification. If needed, the Technologist will take corrective action, and redo the calibration to bring the scanner values to acceptable levels. 12. The Technologist will determine what anatomical areas and scanner techniques will be used based on the information obtained in the patient's clinical history and interview with the patient for maximum diagnostic effectiveness. The Technologist will review his images and if he determines the diagnostic goal was not met initially, the Technologist will make an independent judgment to redo the sequence, take addition slices or alter the technique to achieve the clinical goal before the exam is terminated. Work Schedule: Please note there are two schedules we are recruiting for Sun 8:00 Mon off Tues Off wed 9:30 Thurs 9:30 Fri 9:30 Sat 8:00 Sun 7:00 Mon 9:30 Tues 9:30 Wed 9:30 Thurs Off Fri off Sat 7:00 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. 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). NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Must have no less than three (3) years of Computed Tomography (CT) Must have three (3) years of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) experiences for the past 10 years GS-10 Grade Determinations: Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-09 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: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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: i. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. ii. 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. iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. iv. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. References: VHA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 Dated December 13, 2019, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard GS-0647. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

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 Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 11301 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90073 US
• Name: Marie Clay
• Phone: 216-201-0922
• Email: [email protected]