Career Center

Summary

The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Computed Tomography (CT) - position is assigned to the CT section of the Radiology Service at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. The Cincinnati VA Medical Center is a 1B facility that has research and multiple CBOCs.

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
• 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)
• 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
• 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: 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
• Experience at the next lower grade level (GS-8) includes: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSA's): 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 Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over
• moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
• pushing up to 4 hours
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required)
• prolonged walking - prolonged standing
• repeated bending
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• hearing (aid permitted)
• speed in working
• and emotional stability
• Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

Duties

• Major Duties include: Performs all aspects of CT imaging
• Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality - utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes
• Performs image reconstructions and post processing procedures on advanced workstations as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study
• Maintains proficiency on reconstruction techniques
• Performs additional image processing such as loading and unloading cassettes on CR digitizers - adjusting image quality - providing additional reformats when necessary or upon request - and printing images when required to provide adequate and properly processed diagnostic imaging examinations
• The employee has thorough knowledge of diagnostic radiologic procedures - radiation protection standards - devices - and techniques including concept of accumulated dosage
• the effects of x-ray techniques on patients and operator exposure to assure that adequate safeguards are maintained - to recognize when changes of equipment or procedures might result in increased exposure
• The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents - vital signs - medications - and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures
• The technologist interprets the requests or instructions from the Radiologist or clinician
• Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations and works independently
• The technologist understands and carries out the requests made by providers or seeks assistance of the Supervisor or Radiologist when an uncommon - unique - or new procedure is required
• Works with the radiologist/physician as a member of the surgical /CT team
• Assists and anticipates the needs of the radiologist/physician and the performance of the exam
• Adheres to Radiation Safety guidelines - properly determines applying technical factors to ensure ALARA dose optimization - positioning - required views - etc
• to produce and satisfy requirements for diagnostic imaging and CT exams
• Must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat - pre-op - urgent - and routine exams
• Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff
• Complies with VHA regulations and various accreditation(s) and enforces compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• Privacy Act
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
• local - state - and federal laws/regulations - processes - procedures and prepares for accreditation or other similar inspections
• Maintains adequate supplies
• Responsible for stocking - and inventory of all supplies - notifying supervisor when supplies are not available and monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance
• Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients
• Properly identifies patient by using full name and full social security number and/or hospital name band
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 12:00pm-8:00pm - with on call and rotating weekends Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 91460A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized