Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)

Summary Performs computerized tomography of the head - neck spine - chest and body at the Iowa City VA. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment. Qualifications United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy English Language Proficiency DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d) 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) 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 75 - 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 Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS‑9 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) 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 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 (*) 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 Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre‑employment process for this position Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Duties This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis - as long as the vacancy exists VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties include - but are not limited to: Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery - etc Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non‑standard exams Determines technical factors - positioning - number and thickness of scans - etc. - to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning Schedules patients for examinations Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention Performs all procedures relative to all general C.T exams and more complex exams such as CTA (CT Angiograms) - coronary - abdominal - and neuro exams Performs some exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques Requires preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, supplying of catheters and guide wires; sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field to prevent contamination of the patient Minimizes hazards associated with invasive procedures and involves the use of sterile packs - gloves - syringes - guide wires - biopsy and drainage needles - catheters - cleanup trays after exam is completed Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique Handles storage of sterile supplies, disposal of body fluids and sharps, proper attire, hand washing practices, and continuing education Prepares contrast materials used in CT; improper use or administration of the contrast materials runs the risk of patient mortality - thus a thorough understanding of contrast material usage is essential Continuously monitors patient condition and other disorders; reactions require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self; achieved by use of lead aprons, gloves, shields, lead‑lined walls, adherence to scan protocol(s), and collimation Film badges are worn by the technologist in compliance with radiation regulations Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or as part of a standard procedure; reprocessing data on 3D workstation; includes MIP, volume, etc. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients; includes maintenance of patient logbooks, registration, and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system Benefits Work Schedule: Midnight to 08:00 AM Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases; higher step rate may be determined after considering higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade) Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13‑26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child 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 for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr Direct Jobs