Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computerized Tomography
Direct Jobs, Montgomery, AL, United States
Summary
The Incumbent operates independently and performs Diagnostic Radiographs and a variety of specialized CT examinations covering most portions of the body including - bladder - spleen - aorta - kidney - head neck - chest - abdomen - pelvis - spine - extremities - pancreas - biopsies and drainage. Exams are performed with and without contrast materials.
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.
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 (ARRT) (R)
Advanced Radiography ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT)
Education
Completion of a full‑time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post‑high school diagnostic radiologic technology program - evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree - accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology 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 Department of Education - and be certified as radiographers in their field
GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Creditable Experience: (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice
To be creditable - 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 1 year of active practice - which is paid or non‑paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT
(2) Quality of Experience
Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph above
Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
(3) 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 1 week of full‑time credit for each 2 weeks of half‑time work
Computed Tomography (CT)
This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or - multi‑slice computer tomography - inclusive of 3‑D reconstruction scans - including drainages - biopsies - and peripheral vascular examinations
The technologist requires 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
to understand the functioning and inter‑relationship of the various organs
to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor - or on film - and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of particular interest to the physician
This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification
Grade Determinations: GS‑9 DRT 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
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: 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 the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment‑specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): a
Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
b
Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
c
Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
d
Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
e
Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
and f
Knowledge of pre‑procedural - procedural - and post‑procedural care of patients
References: VA Handbook 5005/77 Part II Appendix G25The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑09
Physical Requirements: The individual must have the physical ability to perform job‑related duties which require heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over - standing up to 6 hours - wearing PPE (Lead Apron) up to 6 hours - bending - transferring
stooping - stretching - walking - pushing - or pulling without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other
A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Preferred Experience: ARRT Registered in Diagnostic Radiology and Computerized Tomography.
Duties
VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties for this position are performed without direct supervision - duties for this position include but are not limited to the following: CT: 50% Incumbent will use specific knowledge of human anatomy - including-cross sectional anatomy - and its application in spiral - and/or multi-slice Computer Tomography including -Peripheral Vascular - Spine - Abdomen - CT Angiography - Brain - and Virtual Colonography
Determines the consistency - of masses with the aid of the CT Software as (cystic or solid) and their relationship to adjacent abdominal structures
Ensures CT scan radiation doses are documented in PACS and/or on in the procedure for Radiologist to dictate in the patient's report
Performs quality control/assurance checks on completed CT scans to ensure optimally diagnostic images are referred for radiologists' interpretation
Receives patients and explains procedures - prepares the room and equipment
Explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possible
Monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions - and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation - and emergency measures to include AED
Properly identifies patient images
This is critical to ensure incorrect images or document errors do not occur
The technologist must be certain that the patient I.D
and the request are identical
Use of patient identifiers is required
Starts IV's - prepares contrast materials - and under direction of the radiologist injects contrast for imaging procedures
Observes patient and immediately notifies Radiologist when a reaction is suspected
Performs Intravenous injections of Contrast Material with pressure injection system
Practices safe use of the pressure injector and injects IV contrast material at injection rates provided by the Radiologist or pre-defined in the CT Exam protocol manual
Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff - and self
Performs 3‑D reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
Completes procedures by ensuring all images have been transmitted - and exam closed out in VistA
Responsible for explaining exams to patients so that they understand what is to be done as well as what hazards - if they exist
Responsible for ordering - stocking - and inventory of all supplies and related materials
Continually reviews new developments in the imaging field
Required to be on‑call for Diagnostic Radiology at primary and alternate locations when needed DRT: 50% Receives and interprets requests or instructions for general or complex procedures
Edit/make changes to requests as appropriate when directed by a radiologist or medical provider
Perform all requested procedures and exercises control of area and equipment
Maintains sterility
cleans portable equipment after each case and as needed
and reports malfunctions to bio‑medical engineer
and makes coordination to have equipment ready for service
Prepares room and equipment for procedures - ensuring necessary supplies - contrast materials (oral - rectal - or Intravenous) - and imaging plates are readily available
Monitors vital signs as appropriate for procedure and notifies radiologist of significant changes complications
may administer anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under close control
Performs other related duties assigned to this position
Required to be on‑call for Computerized Tomography at primary and alternate locations when needed Work Schedule: Compressed Friday -Sunday: Friday 8:00am- 8:00pm
Sat‑Sun 6:00am-8:00pm
These positions will be required rotate to other Imaging locations and be available On‑call - Days - Nights - Weekends and Holidays to perform both CT and Diagnostic Radiographs
Work schedule subject to change based on agency needs
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Compressed available Telework: Not Available Functional Statement: Diagnostic Radiologic Tech (DRT/CT)/58896F Financial Disclosure: Not Required
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The Incumbent operates independently and performs Diagnostic Radiographs and a variety of specialized CT examinations covering most portions of the body including - bladder - spleen - aorta - kidney - head neck - chest - abdomen - pelvis - spine - extremities - pancreas - biopsies and drainage. Exams are performed with and without contrast materials.
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.
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 (ARRT) (R)
Advanced Radiography ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT)
Education
Completion of a full‑time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post‑high school diagnostic radiologic technology program - evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree - accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology 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 Department of Education - and be certified as radiographers in their field
GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Creditable Experience: (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice
To be creditable - 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 1 year of active practice - which is paid or non‑paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT
(2) Quality of Experience
Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph above
Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
(3) 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 1 week of full‑time credit for each 2 weeks of half‑time work
Computed Tomography (CT)
This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or - multi‑slice computer tomography - inclusive of 3‑D reconstruction scans - including drainages - biopsies - and peripheral vascular examinations
The technologist requires 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
to understand the functioning and inter‑relationship of the various organs
to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor - or on film - and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of particular interest to the physician
This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification
Grade Determinations: GS‑9 DRT 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
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: 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 the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment‑specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): a
Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
b
Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
c
Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
d
Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
e
Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
and f
Knowledge of pre‑procedural - procedural - and post‑procedural care of patients
References: VA Handbook 5005/77 Part II Appendix G25The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑09
Physical Requirements: The individual must have the physical ability to perform job‑related duties which require heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over - standing up to 6 hours - wearing PPE (Lead Apron) up to 6 hours - bending - transferring
stooping - stretching - walking - pushing - or pulling without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other
A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Preferred Experience: ARRT Registered in Diagnostic Radiology and Computerized Tomography.
Duties
VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties for this position are performed without direct supervision - duties for this position include but are not limited to the following: CT: 50% Incumbent will use specific knowledge of human anatomy - including-cross sectional anatomy - and its application in spiral - and/or multi-slice Computer Tomography including -Peripheral Vascular - Spine - Abdomen - CT Angiography - Brain - and Virtual Colonography
Determines the consistency - of masses with the aid of the CT Software as (cystic or solid) and their relationship to adjacent abdominal structures
Ensures CT scan radiation doses are documented in PACS and/or on in the procedure for Radiologist to dictate in the patient's report
Performs quality control/assurance checks on completed CT scans to ensure optimally diagnostic images are referred for radiologists' interpretation
Receives patients and explains procedures - prepares the room and equipment
Explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possible
Monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions - and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation - and emergency measures to include AED
Properly identifies patient images
This is critical to ensure incorrect images or document errors do not occur
The technologist must be certain that the patient I.D
and the request are identical
Use of patient identifiers is required
Starts IV's - prepares contrast materials - and under direction of the radiologist injects contrast for imaging procedures
Observes patient and immediately notifies Radiologist when a reaction is suspected
Performs Intravenous injections of Contrast Material with pressure injection system
Practices safe use of the pressure injector and injects IV contrast material at injection rates provided by the Radiologist or pre-defined in the CT Exam protocol manual
Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff - and self
Performs 3‑D reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
Completes procedures by ensuring all images have been transmitted - and exam closed out in VistA
Responsible for explaining exams to patients so that they understand what is to be done as well as what hazards - if they exist
Responsible for ordering - stocking - and inventory of all supplies and related materials
Continually reviews new developments in the imaging field
Required to be on‑call for Diagnostic Radiology at primary and alternate locations when needed DRT: 50% Receives and interprets requests or instructions for general or complex procedures
Edit/make changes to requests as appropriate when directed by a radiologist or medical provider
Perform all requested procedures and exercises control of area and equipment
Maintains sterility
cleans portable equipment after each case and as needed
and reports malfunctions to bio‑medical engineer
and makes coordination to have equipment ready for service
Prepares room and equipment for procedures - ensuring necessary supplies - contrast materials (oral - rectal - or Intravenous) - and imaging plates are readily available
Monitors vital signs as appropriate for procedure and notifies radiologist of significant changes complications
may administer anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under close control
Performs other related duties assigned to this position
Required to be on‑call for Computerized Tomography at primary and alternate locations when needed Work Schedule: Compressed Friday -Sunday: Friday 8:00am- 8:00pm
Sat‑Sun 6:00am-8:00pm
These positions will be required rotate to other Imaging locations and be available On‑call - Days - Nights - Weekends and Holidays to perform both CT and Diagnostic Radiographs
Work schedule subject to change based on agency needs
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Compressed available Telework: Not Available Functional Statement: Diagnostic Radiologic Tech (DRT/CT)/58896F Financial Disclosure: Not Required
#J-18808-Ljbffr