Career Center

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) will report to the Radiology Service at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, interventional, and basic QM type duties within the program. 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. 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), 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 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 the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.] 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. Grandfathering Provision. 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 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, 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 References: December 13, 2019 VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS- 9. Physical Requirements: To perform in a fully successful manner. the individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require lifting. standing, 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. There will be exposure to blood and body fluids. ["DRT (CT) position is that of a Registered Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist with skill in special procedure radiography and CT scan. Performs a variety of complex radiographic exams on the patients of this medical center. These include but are not limited to: CT's of the head, neck, abdomen, extremities and has the ability to perform interventional radiography exams. Duties include but not limited to: Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table. - Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures. Prepares oral and injectable contrast and other chemical mixtures as necessary. Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures. Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events. Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits such as check in, casing and registration. Complications and /or quality improvement activities of the Diagnostic Imaging Department. Administer contrast material, under the direction of the radiologist, according to protocols. Check and make minor adjustments to equipment such as setting wedges, or changing adjusters. Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc. Maintain a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms at all times. Provide general radiology and Computed tomography training to student radiographers and residents from affiliated programs and facilitates the attainment of established program objectives. Sets up and positions patients, provides immobilization devices, selects proper technical factors on an individual patient basis. New equipment will be evaluated, and new methods will be compared with existing methods. Performs daily maintenance of head and body phantoms, such as changing water, cleaning and removing air bubbles, etc. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:30 am- 6:00 pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 667-00195-F\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]