This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computerized Tomography) will primarily perform computerized tomography examinations of the entire human anatomy in addition to performing diagnostic radiology when needed. Diagnostic radiology exams include routine to moderately complex procedures. The CT technologist independently reviews each requisition to assure the patient history and anatomical area of interest is consistent with the exam(s) requested. Major duties include but are not limited to: Reviews patient's laboratory results in VISTA/CPRS prior to performing the exam to verify that patient can safely receive IV contrast. Interviews the patient to obtain additional clinical information, and if needed will contact the clinician for clarification. The technologist will carefully position the patient so that the optimum anatomical projection is obtained based on the examination requirements. Explains the examination to the patient, solicits the patient's trust and cooperation. The technologist evaluates the patient's ability to hold their breath for the various acquisition phases of the procedure if needed, and independently make the appropriate adjustments to imaging protocols. Verifies patient demographic information for accuracy, and compatibility with DICOM format. Determines 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 with Radiologist consultation as needed. Must have knowledge of physiology and cross-sectional anatomy, such as the location, appearance, and function of various major and minor organ systems susceptible to radiologic exposure. Knowledge of aspects of basic physics, including the concepts of energy, electric power, and type of electrical power, and type of electrical circuits, construction and use of x-ray tubes and the properties of x-rays to understand the operation of x-ray equipment. Knowledge of basic nursing practices related to radiography. Knowledge of venipuncture procedures for the technologist to inject contrast agents under the indirect supervision of a licensed physician or radiologist. Maintains proper supplies (injectables, administration sets, etc.). Advises AMSA staff regarding scheduling, duration of study, rearranging patients to accommodate emergencies, etc. Maintains records of patient's treated, examinations performed, cans taken, etc. and maintains permanent records of scans in a tape or film library. Advises the Radiologist and the referring physician of the preliminary results of the examination. The incumbent must use a wide variety of computerized equipment specific to CT as well as be proficient with the use of power injector systems. The technologist must also be proficient with the hospital computer systems such as VISTA and CPRS. The technologist selects the most pertinent images and electronically transmits them through the hospital and radiology network to the PACS system for image viewing distribution and permanent archive in PACS throughout radiology and the hospital. Independently performs head and body Computerized Axial Tomography scans using standard and non-standard procedures to include CT Angiography and Cardiac studies. Performs other duties pertaining to patient care as required. Always available to work various shifts, afterhours, weekend, and holidays. Work Schedule: Various tours including day, evening, nights, weekends, holidays, on-call Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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 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 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).] 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computerized Tomography), GS-09 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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. Assignment: 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, part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

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 Palo Alto VA Medical Center 3801 Miranda Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94304 US
• Name: Timothy McBrian
• Email: [email protected]