Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist CT
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Martinez, CA, United States
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 complete review of the EDRP application.
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
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 from other accrediting agencies as 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
For example – a DRT would receive one week of full‑time credit for each 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
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: 3 years 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: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures
These exams are performed using diagnostic X‑ray equipment – such as fluoroscopic units and general diagnostic units
Performs computerized tomography of the head – neck – spine – chest – and body
These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials
The purpose of these exams is to conduct diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment
For this grade level – a minimum of 25% (10 hrs) is spent working as a CT technologist
Schedules exams in a manner to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
Requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as accommodate emergency patients who may need immediate surgery – among other tasks
Confers with radiologists to determine the requirement of non‑standard exams
Determines technical factors – positioning – number – and thickness of scans – etc. – to produce and satisfy the requirements of CT scanning
Schedules patients for examinations
Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention
Performs CT angiography – including run‑offs and pulmonary embolus studies
These studies require the use of power injectors and image reconstruction post‑image acquisition
Performs CT biopsies utilizing surgical sterile techniques
Prepares contrast materials that are 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 when part of a standard procedure
Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
Maintains patient log registration and editing patient exams in the computerized information system
Properly identifies patient images
Explains exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done – and any adverse reactions – if any – that may occur
Stocking and inventory of 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 – requires the technologist to be available within 45 minutes of receiving the call – so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient
May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations
Continuously reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography
Is continually on the alert to improve the quality of exams by utilizing the latest available technologies – to provide patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes
Other duties as assigned
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm – Supervisor's discretion
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
Contact Joe.CamarenaContreras@va.gov – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
Learn more
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
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 the 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 authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 07983‑F
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 complete review of the EDRP application.
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
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 from other accrediting agencies as 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
For example – a DRT would receive one week of full‑time credit for each 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
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: 3 years 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: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures
These exams are performed using diagnostic X‑ray equipment – such as fluoroscopic units and general diagnostic units
Performs computerized tomography of the head – neck – spine – chest – and body
These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials
The purpose of these exams is to conduct diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment
For this grade level – a minimum of 25% (10 hrs) is spent working as a CT technologist
Schedules exams in a manner to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
Requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as accommodate emergency patients who may need immediate surgery – among other tasks
Confers with radiologists to determine the requirement of non‑standard exams
Determines technical factors – positioning – number – and thickness of scans – etc. – to produce and satisfy the requirements of CT scanning
Schedules patients for examinations
Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention
Performs CT angiography – including run‑offs and pulmonary embolus studies
These studies require the use of power injectors and image reconstruction post‑image acquisition
Performs CT biopsies utilizing surgical sterile techniques
Prepares contrast materials that are 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 when part of a standard procedure
Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
Maintains patient log registration and editing patient exams in the computerized information system
Properly identifies patient images
Explains exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done – and any adverse reactions – if any – that may occur
Stocking and inventory of 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 – requires the technologist to be available within 45 minutes of receiving the call – so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient
May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations
Continuously reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography
Is continually on the alert to improve the quality of exams by utilizing the latest available technologies – to provide patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes
Other duties as assigned
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm – Supervisor's discretion
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
Contact Joe.CamarenaContreras@va.gov – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
Learn more
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
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 the 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 authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 07983‑F
#J-18808-Ljbffr