This is a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computerized Tomography (CT) position located at the Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHCS) in Imaging services.

Duties

Major duties, include but are not limited to: Receives and interprets requests or instructions for general or complex procedures. Edit/make changes to requests as appropriate when directed by a radiologist or medical provider Perform all requested procedures and exercise control of area and equipment. Maintains sterility; cleans portable equipment after each case and as needed; and reports malfunctions to bio-medical engineer; and makes coordination to have equipment ready for service. Ensures staff in the operating room is wearing protective shielding and monitoring devices. Trains staff and student technologist Io operate all radiographic equipment and performs procedures intraoperatively. Coordinates with radiology staff in the main department to ensure images are transmitted, digitized, read, and reported in a timely manner. Recall and print Images from the C-Arm and archive to PACS. Prepares room and equipment for procedures; ensuring necessary supplies, contrast materials (oral, rectal, or Intravenous), and imaging plates arc readily available. Explains procedure to patients and assures patients. Administers contrast under the direct supervision of a radiologist. Adjust protocols as directed by the radiologists. Monitors vital signs as appropriate for procedure and notifies radiologist of significant changes or complications; may administer anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under close control. Incumbent will use specific knowledge of human anatomy including-cross sectional anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or multi-slice Computer Tomography including -Peripheral Vascular, Spine. Abdomen, CT Angiography, Brain, and Virtual Colonography. Ability to determine the consistency of masses with the aid of the CT Software as (cystic or solid) and their relationship to adjacent abdominal structures. Records CT scan radiation doses and documents dose on patient order form for Radiologist to dictate in the patient's report. Performs quality control/assurance checks on completed CT scans to ensure optimally diagnostic images are referred for radiologists' interpretation. Receives patients and explains procedures, prepares x-ray room and equipment 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. Monitors vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and emergency measures to include AED. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images docs not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient I D. and the request are identical Use of double-identifiers is required. Responsible to the Radiologists and Supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Performs quality assurance procedures using a variety of phantoms to assure parameters and Hounsfield units are correct for diagnostic interpretation of each scan. Records and maintains a log of calibrations and notifies biomedical engineering of any deviation from normal scanning parameters. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of slices, etc. to produce and satisfy requirements and high-standards of CT scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises Radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires preparation of surgical trays, assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient This is done to minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures and involves the use of sterile packs, gloves, syringes, guide wires, catheters, cleanup trays, etc., after exam is completed. Adheres to infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps', proper attire, and hand washing practices. Works with the Radiologist as a member of the Radiology team. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipates technique factor difficulties, etc. Work Schedule: 8 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Functional Statement #: 619-764-FS 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). 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 5, 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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-9 (1) 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 (*): i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. i. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred Experience: Certification - Advanced ARRT certification is required for this assignment which includes Computed Tomography (CT). References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G-25 Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and physical exertion. The incumbent will lift and bend frequently to position patients for testing. Reaching and stretching is required to set up equipment; pushing and pulling ambulatory equipment is necessary between patient care areas. He/she will also be required to walk long distances between testing areas. Dexterity is required. All the above physical demands must be performed while wearing approved radiation safety equipment.

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 Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Montgomery 215 Perry Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36109 US
• Name: Morgan Hogeland
• Phone: 205-933-8101 X412220
• Email: [email protected]