Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist CT
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Mather, CA, United States
Summary
Position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Specific individual eligibility requirements must be met in accordance with VHA policy and the EDRP application must be submitted 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 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).
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 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 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 accreditors recognized by the Department of Education.
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 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.
Exams are performed using diagnostic X‑ray equipment – including 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 that facilitate 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.
Prioritizes scheduled patients while accommodating emergency patients who may need immediate surgery.
Consults with radiologists to determine the requirement of non‑standard exams.
Determines technical factors – positioning, number, and thickness of scans – to produce and satisfy CT scanning requirements.
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 media 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, including patient log registration and editing patient exams in the computerized information system.
Provides proper patient image identification.
Explains exams to competent patients so that they understand what is to be done and any adverse reactions that may occur.
Stocks and warehouses 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.
Technologist must be available within 45 minutes of receiving the call for effective emergency care.
May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations.
Continuously reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography.
Always seeks to improve exam quality by utilizing the latest available technologies.
Ensures patients receive the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes.
Other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, supervisor’s discretion. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
Contact: Joe.CamarenaContreras@va.gov – EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Pay: Competitive salary with regular salary increases.
Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days annual PTO per year (13‑26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment – full‑time employees with a family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of eligible childcare costs (max $416.66 per month).
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer contribution.
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 #: 00429‑F
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Position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Specific individual eligibility requirements must be met in accordance with VHA policy and the EDRP application must be submitted 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 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).
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 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 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 accreditors recognized by the Department of Education.
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 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.
Exams are performed using diagnostic X‑ray equipment – including 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 that facilitate 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.
Prioritizes scheduled patients while accommodating emergency patients who may need immediate surgery.
Consults with radiologists to determine the requirement of non‑standard exams.
Determines technical factors – positioning, number, and thickness of scans – to produce and satisfy CT scanning requirements.
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 media 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, including patient log registration and editing patient exams in the computerized information system.
Provides proper patient image identification.
Explains exams to competent patients so that they understand what is to be done and any adverse reactions that may occur.
Stocks and warehouses 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.
Technologist must be available within 45 minutes of receiving the call for effective emergency care.
May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations.
Continuously reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography.
Always seeks to improve exam quality by utilizing the latest available technologies.
Ensures patients receive the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes.
Other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, supervisor’s discretion. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
Contact: Joe.CamarenaContreras@va.gov – EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Pay: Competitive salary with regular salary increases.
Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days annual PTO per year (13‑26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment – full‑time employees with a family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of eligible childcare costs (max $416.66 per month).
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer contribution.
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 #: 00429‑F
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