The purpose of the work is to acquire sophisticated CT images for clinical diagnosis or intervention based on the history provided for each patient. The work involves independent performance of many types of CT scans under the direction of a staff radiologist. The process requires the technologist to recognize the attributes of exams of unacceptable quality and adjust scan techniques, patient positioning, or acquire additional scans to achieve optimum visualization of the body part of concern. 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. 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 Department of Education, and be certified as radiographers in their field. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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: GS 9 DRT (Above Full Performance): 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. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: 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 interest to the physician. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.]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: ARRT certified in CT One or more years experience in CT Proficient in attaining IV access for contrast administration References: VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, GS-647. December 13, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 pounds and over); Heavy Carrying (45 pounds and over); Pulling hand over hand (1 hour); Pushing (2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking (3 hours); Standing (3 hours); Repeated bending (1 hour); Both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid may be permitted) ["A recruitment incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Incumbent primarily performs routine, urgent or emergency patients for CT examinations, explains the CT procedure to the patient, positions the patient on CT table, and acquires the appropriate radiologist/emergency room provider approved CT examination (if applicable) during the late afternoon and evening hours Sunday through Thursday. Weekend call and holiday coverage will be required as needed. The incumbent provides sophisticated diagnostic radiology technologist services in the subspecialty area of computerized tomography (CT) utilizing helical/spiral or multi-detector CT technology. The employee receives routine, urgent, or emergency patients for CT Performs CT exams per organizational approved standard protocols or protocols determined by a staff radiologist. Determines the required technical factors and machine settings to safely satisfy specific exam requirements. Demonstrates familiarity with basic radiation protection principles. Prepares rectal or oral contrast media and administers this contrast media to patients within the Imaging Service prior to performing their scan per either modified or approved standard protocols under a radiologist's directive, Emergency Department physician, or ward physician. Inserts appropriate intravenous (IV) lines into patients prior to IV contrast administration when necessary. Prepares and administers intravenous iodinated contrast media to patients during their scan per modified or approved standard protocols under a radiologist's directive. Incumbent will be able to balance the needs of the patients and staff while still performing complex exams and procedures. Can recognize the signs and symptoms of a contrast reaction and knows what steps to take in the event of a contrast reaction. Incumbent can check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Incumbent will have knowledge of a patient's clinical record, diagnosis and laboratory results. Incumbent can demonstrate the appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical record in relation to the exam performed. Incumbent can monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. After each exam, places (\"cases\") the examination into an \"examined\" status in the hospital information system (VistA). Ensures that each \"cased\" exam accurately reflects the examination that was performed. Incumbent is responsible for correctly initiating transfer of obtained CT images to the organization's Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS) and confirming successful transfer of these images following completion of each acquired CT examination. Following the conclusion of each patient's exam(s), enters a detailed Imaging Procedure Note in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Obtains emergent (STAT) serum creatinine and eGFR measurements on patients within the department when necessary using an iSTAT or similar device. Incumbent has knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to adjust as needed. Incumbent will be able to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Ensures that IV contrast media that is placed into the contrast warmer is labeled with appropriate day, month, and year. Maintains a daily temperature log for the IV contrast warmer. Performs daily QC tests on the CT equipment, using an appropriate CT phantom as required. Schedules patients for CT examinations when necessary. Rearranges the exam schedule under the guidance of the CT section supervisor to ensure that critical patients are scanned or critical exams are performed in the most expeditious manner. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 7:30 am - 4:00 pm (on call as needed) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
