Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Computed Tomography (CT)

Summary The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - (Computed Tomography) is assigned to the Imaging Service at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center - Augusta - GA. The incumbent must be thoroughly knowledgeable in all aspects of digital radiography and computerized tomography - and works independently to make routine radiographic or CT examinations of the head - neck. chest. abdomen - pelvis and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injury or other indications. 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. Citizenship 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 42CFR Part75 — 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 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: Creditable Experience Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice—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 1year of active practice—paid or non‑paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT Quality of Experience—experience is only creditable if earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above Part‑Time Experience—creditable according to its relationship to the full‑time workweek (e.g., 1 week of full‑time credit for each 2 weeks of half‑time work) CT (Computed Tomography) Specialty This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross‑sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral and/or multi‑slice computed tomography—including 3‑D reconstruction scans, drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. Technologist must possess 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, understand the functioning and inter‑relationship of the various organs, and use the methods and techniques that identify organs on the digital display monitor or on film. They should judge image acceptability and emphasize aspects of interest to the physician. Assignments that include independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification. GRADE DETERMINATION: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS‑9 Experience—At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position. Assignments—For all assignments above the full performance level, higher‑level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity, and variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Assignments include: full‑time functional DRT, advanced independent duties, special and complex imaging procedures, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties. Requirements—Demonstrate technical KSAs and potential to acquire assignment‑specific KSAs (e.g., balancing patient and staff needs, assessing contraindications, first aid, etc.). Reference—More information at Physical Requirements Heavy lifting—45 pounds or over. Moderate carrying—15–44 pounds. Pushing up to 4 hours, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers—good dexterity (both hands required). Prolonged walking, standing, repeated bending, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Vision: far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20. Color distinction, hearing (aid permitted), speed in working, emotional stability. Stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. Duties Duties to include but not limited to: Schedule add‑on exams to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Prioritize scheduled patients and accommodate emergency patients requiring immediate attention. Confer with radiologists to determine the requirement of non‑standard exams. Determine technical factors—positioning, number, and thickness of scans—to satisfy CT scanning requirements. Schedule add‑on patients for examinations. Advise radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notify them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Proficiently manipulate image data—utilize multi‑slice technology, generate diagnostic CTA, 3D, and multi‑planar exams for interpretation. Perform CT‑guided biopsy procedures. Practice radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self—use lead aprons, gloves, shields, walls, collimation. A film badge will be worn on duty to ensure compliance with the radiation safety policy. Be aware of and practice safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Perform reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or as part of a standard procedure. Follow department protocol for studies as requested. Maintain records and files of exams performed on patients—registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system. Tag and enter complications during exams into the Event Patient Reporting System (ePRS). Transmit patient exams archived on PACS to teleradiology providers and fax patient data sheets to providers as required. Properly identify patient images to avoid mistaken identity. Confirm patient identity verbally with two identifiers—name and social security number. Explain exams to competent patients in plain terms and potential hazards. Monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation if required. Stock and inventory all CT supplies and related materials; confer with radiologists to ensure specific procedural supplies are stocked; notify supervisor of inventory levels. Assist and train less experienced technologists and radiology students. Perform diagnostic radiographic examinations and CT scans. Assist new medical clerks. Co‑ordinate with MSAs and volunteers in the service. Review new developments in the field—improve quality of exams utilizing new technologies. Employees: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: TBD; Retention Incentive may be authorized after 90 days. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Lakita Bush; View email address on click.appcast.io for questions. Pay—competitive salary with regular increases. Higher step rate may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications. Paid Time Off—37–50 days annually; 13–26 days annual leave; 13 days sick leave; 11 paid federal holidays. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward leave accrual (work experience or military service). Parental Leave—After 12 months of employment—up to 12 weeks paid. Child Care Subsidy—After 60 days—eligible for subsidy up to 25% of eligible costs up to $416.66. Retirement—Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions by VA. Insurance—Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care. Telework—Not available; Virtual—This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement#: 60372F – Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr