The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Computed Tomography performs as a fully functional Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at the journeyman level (50%), with the added specialization of Computed Tomography (50%). Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology and computed tomography under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment both mobile and fixed and assists the radiologist with fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients.

Duties

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-09 performs general diagnostic radiography of the entire body. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. Performs computed tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest and body with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment. Following roles, duties and responsibilities included but not limited to: Employee receives requests or instructions for procedures and interprets routine requests independently and/or receives instructions from radiologist or medical officers. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations and independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians. Reviews pre-procedure laboratory tests results and determines if results fall within the established safety limits for exam. Uses the iStat Analyzer to obtain results for required laboratory tests if not already preformed within required timeframe. Supervision is often administrative, and employee must contact radiologist or higher graded expert in the department or in some cases at another location. Employee may receive assignments for very difficult examinations. Employee understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance of the supervisor when an uncommon, unique or new procedure is required. Performs general diagnostic radiographic exams of the head, spine (including myelography), chest, abdomen (including exams of GI tract, gallbladder, urinary system and fistula) and extremities (including arthrography). These are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, tomographic unit, and general diagnostic units, both digital and conventional. Performs computed tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest and body with and without the use of contrast materials, including biopsies, interventional procedures and peripheral vascular examinations. Employee must be able to work independently and perform complex computed tomography exams without supervision. Work may be performed after hours and/or holidays with only off-site radiologist assistance available. Performs computed tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest and body with and without the use of contrast materials, including biopsies, interventional procedures and peripheral vascular examinations. Employee must be able to work independently and perform complex computed tomography exams without supervision. Work may be performed after hours and/or holidays with only off-site radiologist assistance available. Operates a wide variety of computerized equipment such as Computed Radiography (CR), Direct Digital Radiography (DR), Digital Fluoroscopy, Computer Acquisition and post-processing workstations, PACS viewing stations, WEBPACS desk top viewing software, iStat Analyzer, and hospital computer systems such as VISTA and CPRS and performs picture archival duties. The technologist captures computerized radiographs, applies an algorithm, configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. This procedure requires the technologist to have a general knowledge of computer operations. Image manipulation and transmission is critical in computerized radiography, lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the radiograph. Work Schedule: Wednesday - Saturday, 1:30pm - 12:00am (Variable Shifts as needed). This position includes Holidays, On-Call, Weekends and Overtime as needed for the function of the department. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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. NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. 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. 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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements listed above, applicants must meet the grade requirements for 1 year equivalent to at least next lower grade level GS-8. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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. 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. Specialized Experience: 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.] References: VA Handbook 5005/119, PART II, APPENDIX G25, December 13, 2019. Preferred Experience: Current Advanced ARRT CT certification Three years CT experience required Interventional Radiology experience The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist's work requires long periods of standing and walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing / pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons. Movement of moderately heavy equipment is generally power assisted such as portable machines. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of other employees and devices provided by the Radiology Section. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

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).

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 San Diego VA Medical Center 3350 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, CA 92161 US
• Name: Tonya Stewart
• Phone: 858-232-7825
• Email: [email protected]