Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography)

Full Job Description

The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Computed Tomography (CT), is assigned to the Michael E. DeBakey, VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), Radiology Service, Computed Tomography section.

The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Computed Tomography, at this level is fully functional and can carry out the assigned tasks independently.

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. - 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).

- 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.

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: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 (1) 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.

(2) 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.

Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist.

Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures.

At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity.

Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i.

Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. ii.

Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.

iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. iv.

Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.

Preferred Experience: ARRT Registered; 1 to 2 years of DRT experience. 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-10.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position.

May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing.

May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations. Major Duties:

This specialty modality requires specific knowledgeable of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D and multi-planer reconstructions.

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 particular interest to the physician.

This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification in Computed Tomography (CT). - Technologist meets the requirements set forth by MEDVAMC. BLS Certification is maintained biannually.

- Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to perform examinations of acceptable image quality, utilizing the least amount of radiation for diagnosis and localization purposes.

- Technologist works under the supervision of the CT Supervisor, and /or Lead Technologists in rotating assignments, covering all responsibilities within the CT section.

- Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology, including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination.

- Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis extremities, 3D reconstructions, multi-planar reformats, and CT angiographic studies.

- Performs CT angiography of the Circle of Willis, carotids, abdominal aortas, and run-offs.

- Performs CT exams with the radiographic goal of providing high quality axial imaging, generating the best possible images at the minimal radiation dose necessary to the patient.

- Incumbent will work with the radiologist/physician as a member of the CT team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologist/ physician and the performance of the exam.

They must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition.

- Technologist works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists, Lead Technologists, or CT Quality Management Technologist on more difficult problems.

Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives. - Technologist will abide by MEDVAMC Radiology Service guidelines for power injection of contrast media.

In addition, technologist should monitor patients for extravasation and provide care according to department practices when extravasation takes place and advise patients to seek medical care for progression of symptoms.

- Prepares contrast media agents under the direction of the radiologist and has knowledge and thorough understanding of contrast media purpose, risks associated with usage, signs of allergic reactions from minor to patient mortality.

In addition , the technologist must be continuously on alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. - Technologist is required to maintain venipuncture competency.

- The technologist must demonstrate operational efficiency and proper usage of power injectors.

- Technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self.

This is achieved by optimizing technical factors, using best practices, and complying with radiation safety policies.

- Technologist acquires and maintains knowledge in CT dose optimization and the factors that directly affect radiation dose from the CT scanner to the patient.

- Technologist must adhere to ALARA, guiding principle of radiation safety, properly applying technical factors, proper patient positioning, utilize lead aprons, lead gloves, and lead shields when exposed to radiation to produce diagnostic CT imaging.

Radiation monitoring dosimetry badge must be worn and current for the wear period. Work Schedule: 1pm-9:30pm; Monday-Friday; Subject to change based on the needs of the facility.

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 01241F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional