The position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the San Diego VA Medical Center (SDVAMC) in the Radiology Service. The Temporary Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, CT/IR performs as a fully functional diagnostic radiologic technologist at the journeyman level, with the added specializations of Angiography/Interventional Radiography (50%), Computed Tomography (50%).

Duties

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist CT/IR receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures in both CT and Angio/Interventional. Employee reviews pre-procedure laboratory test results and determines if results fall within the established safety limits for receiving iodinated contrast material (BUN, Creatinine) and that blood coagulation levels (PT, INR) are within safe levels. Performs diagnostic Angio and Interventional radiography of entire body, positioning of patients for desired results and shielding patients as appropriate. 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. Determines technical factors, sets controls, and operates equipment in Angio/Interventional and CT sections for optimum quality and outcome. Major duties include but are not limited to: 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, including contacting the Radiologist, referring physician, nurse manager etc. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. The technologist may need to interview the patient to obtain additional clinical information, and if needed will contact the clinician and/or clinic that made the request for clarification and may recommend a more appropriate exam to order. The technologist will determine what views and technique to use based on this information for maximum diagnostic effectiveness. If the diagnostic goal is not met initially, the technologist will make an independent decision to take additional views or alter the technique to achieve the goal before the patient leaves the department. The technologist performs computed tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body with and without the use of contrast materials including CT guided biopsy studies of muscular skeletal system, neuro systems, lung, liver, kidney and other soft tissue sampling, abscess drainages, microwave or cryoablation studies requiring localization of wand placement, cardiac, biopsy, Interventional procedures, and peripheral vascular examinations. Technologist performs venipuncture for procedures requiring the injection of IV contrast material. Employee prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist, for performing exams requiring injectable solutions and for performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. These procedures may require the use of needles, syringes, contrast media, enema bags and drinking cups. Sets up CT suite for exams and assures sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters and other required equipment is present and immediately available. The technologist performs neuro-angiography, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as rotational imaging, computerized Fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc. Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities i.e., renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. Such procedures may be performed in the operating room. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic or therapeutic studies of the vascular systems. Performs myelography of the complete spine utilizing conventional x-ray units, patient immobilizers, etc., when required. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal. Performs hysterosalpingograms, arthrograms and joint injections as needed to support the service. Performs pre procedural, procedural and post-procedural care of patients, including basic first aid and life support practices in radiography. Technologist will use ultrasound imaging techniques during Interventional or Angiographic procedures under the direction of a Radiologist for access to blood vessels, masses, organs, and other areas as specified. The technologist practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined wall, and collimation.A film badge dosimeter or thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) is worn by the technologists to assure compliance to radiation regulations. The incumbent must be aware if and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities, as directed. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm 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

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: 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.) English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(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. Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C.§ 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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. 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-9. 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.] Interventional Radiography (IR). Technologists working in this special assignment may function as vascular interventional (VI), cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists which use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. IR technologist must be knowledgeable in digital imagining and PACS.] Preferred Experience: Two (2) years current CT/IR experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II, Appendix G25. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: DRT'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

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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).]

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]