The Cincinnati, OH VA Medical Center is recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Computed Tomography (CT) located in the Imaging section of Radiology Services. This Vacancy may be used to fill additional positions. 3 total vacant positions may be available.

Duties

Major Duties: Technologist meets the requirements set forth in the Cincinnati VA Medical Center Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Memorandum 14-08; BLS Certification is maintained on a Quarterly basis and always complies. Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality, utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Technologist works under the supervision of the Chief Technologist and rotates all responsibilities within the CT section. He/she works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and Lead Technologist on more difficult problems. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives. Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases. Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include: Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, and Extremities, 3D Reconstructions of CT, Multi-Planar Reformats, CT Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure. Utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis, Carotids, Abdominal Aortas, Run-Off's, including CT Cardiac Imaging (Cardiac trained technologists only) and CT Myelogram utilizing specialized series to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. The radiographic goal of CT is to provide high quality axial imaging; generate the best possible images at the minimal radiation dose necessary to the patient. Positions patients, selects and sets technical factors. Performs routine x-ray examinations of all areas of the body to include skull, spines, abdomen, and all extremities with minimal discomfort to the patient. Explains the radiographic procedure to allay fears and obtain maximum cooperation from the patient. Technologist follows mandated HIPPA guidelines. Properly enters patient's accession number in the CR/DR terminal to ensure proper transfer of case to PAC's system. Enters pertinent patient information into CPRS/Order Entry-Radiology Notes, such as patient refusals, order cancellations or any complications. Technologist sets up and adjusts accessory equipment and makes exposures based on request of physician or other specialists. These procedures take place in a variety of different locations and forms. Such as CR/DR systems, Fluoroscopy, Portables, GI Lab, Cystography Lab and Operating Rooms per established checklist. Responsible for completion of examination by transmitting images to the PACS immediately after procedure is finished. Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service procedure manual for guidelines on Medical Center Protocol 84 Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT, to include 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. In addition, the technologist must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Technologist is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material, when necessary. The technologist is trained in the proper use of power injectors. Technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by optimizing technical factors and ensuring all policies and procedure are adhered to. Technologist is competent and educated in all service policies pertaining to the technologist and their assigned work section. Maintains knowledge of all department and CT section policies, acknowledging the receipt and understanding of these policies by signing the supervisory copy of the policy. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre- op, urgent, and routine exams. Work Schedule: Tour of Duty to be discussed during interview process. Multiple tours may be available. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92566-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

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. Must be proficient in spoken and written English. Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). You must submit a copy of your unexpired certification from American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R) to receive credit. Education Requirement: 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).You must submit a copy of your certificate or transcript showing awarded associate's degree to receive credit. 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: In addition to meeting all of the above Basic Requirements, you must also meet the below Grade Requirements for the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography), GS-0647 occupation. Experience Requirement: Must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 8) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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. In order to qualify, the experience must demonstrate that the candidate independently provided services in computed tomography with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. To receive credit, you must demonstrate the experience through job tasks and list hours worked per week in your resume. a. Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. b. Specialized Assignments. 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 (CT) certification. Do you have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) directly related to the position that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services for this specialty area? GS-09 DRT (Computed Tomography) Certification Requirement. Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) Requirement. In addition to meeting the experience requirement above, the candidates must also meet the below. 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. 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 (*) in their resume: *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. Preferred Experience: ADV DRT/CT Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

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 Cincinnati VA Medical Center 3200 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45220 US
• Name: Jennifer Shifflett
• Email: [email protected]