Job opening: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography)
Salary: $80 558 - 104 721 per year
Published at: Nov 30 2023
Employment Type: Intermittent
The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is currently recruiting for two Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists, located at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center.
Duties
The Duties include but are not limited to:
Primary Cat Scan (approximately 50%):
Schedules DRT/CT exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc.
Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention.
Performs peripheral and visceral/abdominal systems and extremities and CT angiography, including spine, head and neck studies. These studies include renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated x-ray equipment, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc.
Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/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.
Capable of performing reconstructions of general CT and CT angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure.
Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes.
Primary General DRT (approximately 50%):
Primarily performs complicated radiographic examinations. Receives patients, explains method of procedure, positions patient, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjust accessory equipment required, makes exposures necessary for the requested examination and archives images.
Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms, fistulagrams and arthrography; and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract.
Performs all routine examinations such as head, chest, extremities, and abdominal studies. As workload dictates, may also perform bone density exams, non-contrast CT head and abdomen scans.
Operates the mobile x-ray machines in the operating rooms, nursing and intensive care units and the emergency room.
Utilizes quality control techniques and assures that examinations performed are properly archived. Monitors all radiology equipment for proper operation, makes minor adjustments on the spot, and reports malfunctions to the supervisor.
Maintains records of patients examined, examinations performed, views taken and technical factors used. Assures that images are properly archived into PACS. Understands the importance of complete and accurate statistical input into the department collection of information for strategic planning.
Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms that patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Receives and interprets all radiology requests by reading the order and history. Registers the exam. Cancels and edits exams via the computer radiology information system (RIS) as necessary and after consulting with the staff Radiologist.
Properly labels patient images/films using L & R markers. Properly identifies images with correct patient information.
Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self.
Work Schedule: Intermittent
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 52732A
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:
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).
English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
Grade Determinations: 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.
Demonstrated knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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.
This advanced DRT position requires an advanced certification in computed tomography (CT). 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.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II Appendix G-25.
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 October 3, 2023; Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, 0647 (all specializations are included) are not subject to Veterans Preference. This will continue until September 30, 2024. 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 Oklahoma City VA Health Care System
921 Northeast 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
US
- Name: Kasey Pershing
- Phone: 406-447-6141
- Email: [email protected]
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