Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography

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 Policy.

English 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 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).

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. 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. For the GS-8 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. 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs 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 program.

Regardless 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 level. The 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 procedures. ii.

Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. 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/.

Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. This role requires a high level of physical capability to successfully perform direct patient care and manage heavy medical equipment. Employees must maintain the stamina, strength, and dexterity needed to assist patients safely while operating specialized machinery, often under physically demanding conditions.

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, and medical terminology. Performs complex CT examinations, as assigned & credentialed.

Performs general diagnostic radiologic duties, including general radiography, portable, & fluoroscopicprocedures (e.g., Anesthesia Pain Clinic, operating room & 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 factors.

Identifies, evaluates, and resolves technical and clinical problems by selecting appropriate solutions from established options. Uses advanced CT software and post-processing applications to produce clinically useful images & reconstructions. Reviews the EMR, imaging request, relevant clinical history, prior examinations, laboratory values, allergies, medication profile, & provider notes to obtain information necessary to safely perform the examination.

Orders exams in the EMR and reviews screening & contrast-assessment forms for accuracy. Interviews 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, and identify factors that may affect the examination.

Provides clear, respectful, trauma-informed communication tailored to the needs of Veterans with sensory impairment, cognitive impairment, anxiety, pain, limited mobility, language barriers. Assesses patients before, during, & after procedures for clinical changes & potential complications. Champions Safe Patient Handling & Mobility initiatives. Establishes and maintains intravenous access when within scope of practice & local policy.

Prepares, administers, & documents the use of contrast materials by intravascular, oral, rectal, & other routes. Uses power injectors safely & monitors injection sites & patients for adverse effects.

Applies 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 need; actively participates in dose-reduction & optimization processes.

Monitors CT dose information, identifies circumstances that may result in unnecessary or unusually high radiation exposure, takes corrective action within assigned authority, & communicates concerns.

Performs or documents required daily equipment checks, quality-control procedures, & operational assessments; identifies image-quality concerns, equipment malfunctions, software issues, & safety hazards; initiates troubleshooting within competency; & reports significant issues promptly through appropriate channels. Applies infection-control practices mandated by Medical Center and Radiology Service policy for all procedures. Coordinates care with clinics and departments.

Balances the needs of patients, staff, and the service while performing complex CT scans and procedures. Applies well-developed time-management & organizational skills to prioritize assignments & work within standardized operating procedures to meet deadlines.

Maintains accurate patient, procedure, contrast, dose, image, and examination-status information in VA electronic systems, including VistA/CPRS, VistA Imaging, PACS, RIS, & other assigned applications, verifying that images and associated data are correctly labeled, routed, transmitted, reconciled, & available for interpretation.

Maintains accurate documentation required for quality assurance, quality control, performance improvement, patient safety, contrast administration, radiation-dose monitoring, equipment issues, & adverse-event reporting. Accurately process & review patient studies within complex electronic medical networks, including the VistA, Vista Imaging, RIS, Joint Legacy Viewer ((JLV), iPlan and PACS systems.

Provides technical guidance, orientation, & informal training to students, new employees, lower-graded DRTs, nursing personnel, & other clinical staff regarding CT workflow, patient preparation, safety practices, equipment operation, imaging protocols, & post-processing, as assigned. Work Schedule: Varying shifts days, nights, weekends, holidays, with call rotation. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #:56795A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.