The San Diego VA Medical Center is seeking a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist CT/IR. The technologist receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures in both CT and Angio/Interventional. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until February 12, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be December 26, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates until the position is filled.

Duties

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-10 performs as a fully functional diagnostic radiologic technologist at the journeyman level, with the added specializations of Angiography/Interventional Radiography (50%), Computed Tomography (50%). The 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. Performs technical work in support of Angio/Interventional and computed tomography under the direction of the physician. Operates radiology equipment both fixed and mobile and assists the radiologist with fluoroscopic procedures as part of diagnostic or intervention as determined by the physician. In addition to operating the Angiographic and CT equipment, employee is familiar with ultrasound equipment used in Angio, as well as peripheral equipment such as radiofrequency ablation, cryogenic ablation, and power injectors used in both Angio and CT settings. Major Duties are below but 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. 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 must make continuous assessments of the image quality and equipment performance for optimum performance and image quality and will determine if the image quality problem can be corrected independently or if the problem needs to be reported to the Supervisor, Biomedical Engineering and/or the appropriate vendor for repair. Work Schedule: Tuesday-Friday, 10:30pm -9:00pm (The position can include variable shifts, on-call and holidays, for patient care needs). 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: 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).] 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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. 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 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. 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. 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. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. 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.] 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: 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. Preferred Experience: Two (2) years of recent continuous CT experience. Valid ARRT, CT license, current IR experience.

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]