Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - CT

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] Grandfathering Provision.

All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation.

For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.(2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.(3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT.

NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series.

Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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).

02Grade Determinations

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-09 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08 directly related to the position being filled. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated. 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.

03Preferred Experience

The preferred candidate for a CT Technologist should have an advance CT registry with ARRT and a minimum of 1 year of CT experience. Additionally, must possess a current BLS certification to ensure preparedness for emergency situations and safe patient care. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

04Physical Requirements

Must perform the essential functions of the job considering visual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers. Must be able to perform duties outlined in the Series Qualification Standards. Must meet CDC vaccination recommendations for public safety, and occupational exposures to infectious diseases and applicable regulations for which vaccinations will be offered to employees.

Major duties includes but not limited to: The CT Technologist balances the needs of patients and staff while performing a wide range of complex scans and procedures. The technologist demonstrates appropriate techniques to gather relevant clinical information from the medical record, significant others, and healthcare providers, and assesses factors that may contraindicate a procedure.

They maintain current knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous skills, and universal precautions, and are knowledgeable in all aspects of pre­procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. The technologist is highly skilled in cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral and multi-slice computed tomography, including three­ dimensional reconstruction scans, drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations.

The technologist has specialized training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor body systems as visualized by radiologic imaging. They accurately interpret examination requests and understand the interrelationship and function of the organs involved. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the technologist identifies organs and structures on digital displays and ensures that the images produced are of diagnostic quality, emphasizing areas of particular interest to the physician.

Operating under the direction of a radiologist, the CT Technologist performs technical diagnostic work, including the operation of computerized radiology and imaging equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. They receive and interpret requests or instructions for procedures from physicians, seeking assistance from supervisors or higher graded technologists when uncommon or new procedures are required.

The technologist independently interprets and carries out the most difficult requests and may oversee the work of lower-grade technologists to accommodate departmental requests. The technologist performs computed axial tomography (CT) scanning of the head and body to conduct a variety of complex diagnostic examinations and is familiar with CT cross-sectional anatomy, technical factors, and the recognition of abnormalities and masses, including their location, consistency, and relationship to adjacent structures.

They maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field and function as an expert regarding software and hardware capabilities, advising radiologists on available pulse sequences and acquisition parameters to produce optimal images and maximize efficiency. The technologist assists with invasive studies, including needle localizations, biopsy procedures, and CT angiography.

They monitor and maintain emergency equipment, including crash carts, oxygen, and suction apparatus, and assist emergency teams as needed. The technologist selects and sets technical factors for difficult examinations, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment, and ensures contrast materials and necessary supplies are available. They obtain and monitor vital signs, notifying the radiologist of significant changes and are competent in administering first aid and basic life support as indicated.

The CT Technologist is responsible for furthering the goals of equal opportunity by adhering to nondiscriminatory employment practices in all aspects of their work. They plan and carry out the procedures necessary to complete assignments, handling problems and correcting errors in accordance with established protocols.

The technologist performs a variety of general diagnostic radiologic procedures, utilizing computed, digital, and direct radiography and imaging network (PACS) equipment for both routine and complex examinations, including portable and bedside imaging as needed. The technologist ensures proper patient and image identification, reviews requests for technical soundness and accuracy, and uses appropriate markers and identifiers throughout the imaging process.

They set technical factors for complex radiographic examinations, prepare and administer contrast materials under the direction of a radiologist, and maintain competency in venipuncture and point-of-care testing as directed. Work Schedule: Monday and Tuesday 11:30am-7:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 7:00pm-7:30am Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:10895F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized