Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist CT

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval – award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the EDRP application. Qualifications and Requirements United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d) Certification Requirement: 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 has 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‑job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist 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 by other accredited agencies recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) Specialized Experience: Must have a certification in Computed Tomography (CT) 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 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist – GS‑9 Experience 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 Quality of Experience Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the fundamental certification requirements Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable – provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination Part‑Time Experience: Part‑time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full‑time workweek (e.g., a DRT would receive one week of full‑time credit for every two weeks of half‑time work) Demonstrated Knowledge – Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment‑specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers 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: 3 years in CT References: VA Handbook 5005/119 – Part II – Appendix G25 – dated December 13, 2019 – Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards – GS‑0647 The full performance level of this vacancy is at the GS‑9 level The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS‑9 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 Duties VA Careers – Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures Uses diagnostic x‑ray equipment – such as fluoroscopic units and general diagnostic units Performs computed tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body Exams performed with and without the use of contrast materials Purpose of exams is to conduct diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment For this grade level – minimum 25% (10 hrs) is spent working as a CT technologist Schedules exams to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases Accommodates emergency patients who may need immediate intervention Confers with radiologists to determine the requirement of non‑standard exams Determines technical factors – positioning, number, and thickness of scans – to produce and satisfy the requirements of CT scanning Schedules patients for examinations Notifies patients of scans requiring their immediate attention Performs CT angiography – including run‑offs and pulmonary embolus studies Uses power injectors and image reconstruction after image acquisition Performs CT biopsies utilizing surgical sterile techniques Prepares contrast materials used in CT Performs quality control on the CT scanner as required Records contrast warmer temperatures daily Checks crash cart at the beginning of the shift Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or as part of standard procedures Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients – including patient log registration and editing exams in the computerized information system Properly identifies patient images Explains exams to competent patients to ensure they understand the procedure and any potential adverse reactions Stocks and inventories all CT supplies and related materials Reports equipment malfunctions promptly to the supervisor and enters an electronic work order to Biomedical Engineering for repair Performs irregular‑hour emergency scans on call when necessary Required to be available within 45 minutes of receiving the call for emergency care May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations Constantly reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography Continuously improves the quality of exams using the latest available technologies Other duties as assigned Benefits and Schedule Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 8:00 am‑4:30 pm – Supervisor's discretion EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply for incentive Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time off per year (13‑26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment – full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs (maximum $416.66 monthly) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% VA contribution Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, life, and long‑term care – many federal insurance programs carry into retirement Telework: Not authorized; this is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 07983‑F #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs