Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Qualifications **This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until 12/31/2026 The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 11/9/2026 Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.** Basic Requirements United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyEnglish 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 - 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 applicableAdvanced certification indicates that the incumbent can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examinationIn 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 technologistEducation: 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)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 examinationsThe technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location - appearance - and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illuminationto interpret the examination request accuratelyto understand the functioning and inter- relationship of the various organsto 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 physicianDRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certificationMay 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 levelFor the GS-8 Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance levelCandidates 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 issuesAssignments: 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 timeDRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independentlyDRTs 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 programRegardless 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 levelThe candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i*Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and proceduresiiKnowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providersiii*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedureivKnowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiographyvKnowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautionsviKnowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patientsReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019This role requires a high level of physical capability to successfully perform direct patient care and manage heavy medical equipmentEmployees must maintain the stamina - strength - and dexterity needed to assist patients safely while operating specialized machinery - often under physically demanding conditions. Duties Independently performs routine & complex CT examinations of the head - neck - chest - abdomen - pelvis - spine - extremities - & vascular system - applying working knowledge of human anatomy - physiology - pathology - & medical terminologyPerforms complex CT examinations - as assigned and credentialedPerforms general diagnostic radiologic duties - including general radiography - portable - & fluoroscopicprocedures (e.g. - Anesthesia Pain Clinic - operating room and fixed fluoroscopy) - within training - credentialing - & scope of practice - when operationally necessary Selects - modifies - & applies appropriate protocols based on clinical indication - patient history - laboratory results - prior imaging - body habitus - ability to cooperate - implanted devices - trauma status - & other patient-specific factorsIdentifies - evaluates - & resolves technical & clinical problems by selecting appropriate solutions from established optionsUses advanced CT software & post-processing applications to produce clinically useful images & reconstructionsReviews the EMR - imaging request - relevant clinical history - prior examinations - laboratory values - allergies - medication profile - & provider notes to obtain information necessary to safely perform the examinationOrders exams in the EMR and reviews screening & contrast-assessment forms for accuracyInterviews patients - families - caregivers - & members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team to verify patient identity - explain the procedure - obtain relevant history - assess the patient's ability to cooperate - & identify factors that may affect the examinationProvides clear - respectful - trauma-informed communication tailored to the needs of Veterans with sensory impairment - cognitive impairment - anxiety - pain - limited mobility - language barriersAssesses patients before - during - & after procedures for clinical changes and potential complicationsChampions Safe Patient Handling & Mobility initiativesEstablishes & maintains intravenous access when within scope of practice & local policyPrepares - administers - & documents the use of contrast materials by intravascular - oral - rectal - & other routesUses power injectors safely & monitors injection sites & patients for adverse effectsApplies radiation-protection & dose-optimization principles - including ALARA practices - scan-range limitation - patient centering - exposure-parameter selection - dose-modulation tools - & shielding - tailoring protocol selection to clinical needactively participates in dose-reduction & optimization processesMonitors CT dose information - identifies circumstances that may result in unnecessary or unusually high radiation exposure - takes corrective action within assigned authority - & communicates concernsPerforms or documents required daily equipment checks - quality-control procedures - and operational assessmentsidentifies image-quality concerns - equipment malfunctions - software issues - & safety hazardsinitiates troubleshooting within competency& reports significant issues promptly through appropriate channelsApplies infection-control practices mandated by Medical Center & Radiology Service policy for all proceduresCoordinates care with clinics and departmentsBalances the needs of patients - staff - & the service while performing complex CT scans & proceduresApplies well-developed time-management & organizational skills to prioritize assignments & work within standardized operating procedures to meet deadlinesMaintains accurate patient - procedure - contrast - dose - image - and examination-status information in VA electronic systems - including VistA/CPRS - VistA Imaging - PACS - RIS - and other assigned applications - verifying that images and associated data are correctly labeled - routed - transmitted - reconciled - and available for interpretationMaintains accurate documentation required for quality assurance - quality control - performance improvement - patient safety - contrast administration - radiation-dose monitoring - equipment issues - and adverse-event reportingAccurately process and review patient studies within complex electronic medical networks - including the VistA - Vista Imaging - RIS - Joint Legacy Viewer ((JLV) - iPlan and PACS systemsProvides technical guidance - orientation - and informal training to students - new employees - lower-graded DRTs - nursing personnel - and other clinical staff regarding CT workflow - patient preparation - safety practices - equipment operation - imaging protocols - and post-processing - as assignedWork Schedule: Varying shifts days - nights - weekends - holidays - and call rotationTelework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #:56795A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Maybe AuthorizedEDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentiveContact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistanceLearn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.