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Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) (CT)

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Salem, Virginia
Closing date
Mar 5, 2021
Duties

Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist/Computed Tomography (CT) independently performs routine to moderately complex radiographic and computed tomography examination procedures using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, direct digital units, general diagnostic units, and computed tomography scanner. He/she performs computerized tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Responsibilities

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Computed Tomography (CT) performs a variety of routine and very difficult radiographic examinations and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedure. The incumbent assists the radiologist/physician in fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients and is knowledgeable in the area of (DR) Digital Radiography. Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Prepares and administers contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP or CT scan exams and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract.
  • Prepares contrast materials for cystogram, fistulograms, and arthrography.
  • Accepts responsibility to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.
  • Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self.
  • Performs processing of digital images using the CR system.
  • Performs quality control of the images, assessing for proper exposure, positioning and annotation.
  • Applies CR post-processing techniques such as window leveling, edge enhancement, brightness and annotation corrections as necessary before routing images to printer, workstation (RAD VISTA) and/or archiving in PACS, to provide adequate and properly processed images.
  • Prints film from a processor or makes a disc (CD) of the patient's studies when necessary, such as when a patient is being seen by an outside facility or being transferred to another facility
  • Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface.
  • Identifies the patient and the image using left and right markers to ensure mistaken identity does not occur.
  • Provides explanation of exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, is possible.
  • Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic images to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be examined in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures.
  • Supports CPT coding compliance: utilizes appropriate CPT codes for exams performed and performs timely and accurate case editing for each exam.
  • Works with scheduling clerks when patient needs rescheduled, as needed.
  • Supports, identifies and/or initiates performance improvement plans that utilize the facility model for quality improvement.
  • Participates in identifying key aspects of care, developing strategies for improvement, and collection and analyzing data.
  • Monitors performance of Radiologic Technologist students from affiliated training programs and participates in education and oversight.
  • Cleans and stocks adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas and reports equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor.
  • Pursues continuing education activities to stay current in techniques and maintain competency.
  • Exhibits traits of being professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees.
  • Performs a variety of computerized axial tomographic scanning, using both cerebral and whole-body techniques.
  • Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure.
  • Develops and maintains patient preparation procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for CT exams in an effort to minimize delays of exams.
  • Gathers related information such as lab values, imaging reports, etc. so that correlation of exams to other studies may be made by the radiologist in diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders.
Work Schedule: Part-time (16 hours/pay period), Every other weekend, Midnight - 8:00am, Saturday/Sunday
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
None

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to a background/security investigation
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
  • Moderate physical activity working with equipment/maneuvering patients (i.e. eye/hand coordination; full use of arms, hands/wrists; transporting, lifting, lowering, wearing PPE, bending, reaching, pushing, standing, sitting) for extended periods.


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 LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to perform the duties of this position.
  • 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).]
  • [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.]
(1) 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.

(2) Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.

(3) Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

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).

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). 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.]

GRADE DETERMINATION for GS-08: In addition to the experience of a GS-7, the candidate must demonstrate and meet the KSAs of a GS-7:

a. 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 one 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 2b 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 one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work.

b. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), computed tomography (CT).

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.]

In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8:
(1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
(2) Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues.
(3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:(a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
(b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
(c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
(d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
(e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
(f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

*** ARRT Certification in CT (Computer Tomography) is required.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 dated December 13, 2019.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Resume Reminder - Your resume must include the following for each job listed:
1) Job title and grade level/salary. In order to show that you meet time-in-grade, you must document grades you have held and how long you have held them;
2) Duties (you must include enough detailed information to support your specialized experience);
3) Month, day and year start/end dates (e.g. 04/02/2007 to 04/13/2008);
4) Hours worked per week for each job listed
5) Full Name and address of Employer
6) Name of Supervisor or Contact name
7) Complete phone number of Supervisor/Contact

Do not copy the job announcement onto your resume. That is not a true representation of your skills and you will be disqualified.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
Yes

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • General Radiologic Technology Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)
  • Advanced ARRT Certification for computed tomography (CT) assignment - ARRT Certification in Computed Tomography (CT)
  • VA Form 10-2850c (Application for Associated Health Occupations)
  • Resume


VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search . (This is a required document and failure to submit it with your application documents may result you not being considered for this announcement).

Proof of General Radiologic Technology Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)
Proof of Advanced AART Certification for computed tomography (CT) assignment (ARRT Certification in Computed Tomography (CT)


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • General Radiologic Technology Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)
  • Advanced ARRT Certification for computed tomography (CT) assignment - ARRT Certification in Computed Tomography (CT)
  • VA Form 10-2850c (Application for Associated Health Occupations)
  • Resume
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx .

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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