Operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all CT diagnostic procedures at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. These exams are performed without and with the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams and / or procedures is to achieve diagnostic images / diagnostic samples so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated.

Duties

Position serves the Medical Center as a multi-disciplined technologist with primary responsibilities for performing a full range of diagnostic radiological procedures including computerized tomography, computerized tomographic angiography (CTA), myelograms, arthrograms, stereotactic localization, rotational studies, digital reconstruction of computerized tomographic images, venography, operating room radiography, portable, interventional procedures, bone, chest, spine, extremities, abdominal, and fluoroscopic studies, as well as the following types of responsibilities but not limited to the below: Receives requests from requesting physicians. Schedules patients. Confers with radiologists to establish imaging goals and clinical requirements for non-standard examinations. Determines technical factors such as parameters for slice thickness and interval of slices, location or region to be scanned, sequence and positioning for angiographic and vascular studies, etc. by use of independent knowledge and expertise and/or by radiologists standards. Prepares ancillary equipment needed for studies preparing any necessary setups such as biopsy trays and interventional trays, in conformance with strict sterile techniques. Prepares for administration of contrast media and a limited number of anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs, under the supervision of the radiologist. Prepares and operates contrast injector. Properly identifies patient by asking patient full name and full Social security number, asking patient for Identification card, or checking identification wristband. Receives patients, and explains procedure methods. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Positions patients for procedure and looks after needs of patient while undergoing examination. Serves as a reference person in the educating of technologists, residents, nurses, and other allied health personnel in all areas of radiologic technology/CT expertise. Establishes and monitors quality control programs. Maintain current knowledge of new and developing radiologic techniques and works to adopt state-of-the-art procedures to new examination protocols for the Radiology Program. Takes an active role in developing all necessary technical policy and procedure documentation as determined by service management. Properly maintains all necessary patient radiographic records including technical factors, VISTA, Stentor, core data, archive material documentation (tape or disc), film identification, and technologist identification. Interprets test results and consults with the physician especially any scans requiring immediate attention or intervention while the examination is in progress or to alert the physician of any condition which could be considered life-threatening to the patient. Assists physicians and other employees in the development and execution of research protocols and maintaining the records as necessary to validate the research or training project or funding grant. Assists and develops training programs for new CT/diagnostic radiographic technologists, physicians in training, and general clinical employees. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts to include weekends and holidays Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) GS-0647-09 #000000 Recruitment/Relocation: Incentive: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact , 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 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). Physical Requirements. See below and VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-09 Computed Tomography-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.] Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, 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. 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 (*): (a)*Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. (b)Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. (c)*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. (d) knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. (e)Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. (f)Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-09. Physical Requirements: Pre-placement physical examination to determine the physical, cognitive and emotional fitness of candidates for appointment in VA is required, and shall be completed prior to appointment, for all full-time, part-time and intermittent positions.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Pittsburgh VA Medical Center 1010 Delafield Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215 US
• Name: Jonathan Davis
• Phone: 405-439-1259
• Email: [email protected]