Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography)
Duties include the following:
Performs computerized axial tomographic scanning using both cerebral and whole body techniques. Receives patients, explains procedures, positions patients and makes exposures necessary for the examination. Schedules patients for examinations. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and arranges priorities to accommodate requests . Performs difficult and complex computerized axial tomography of the head, abdomen, spine, chest, neck and other areas of interests determined by the physician. Maintains knowledge of physiology and cross sectional anatomy. Performs computer applications including operation of teletype keyboard input. Recognize scans which illustrate the lesion and develop them through control of contrast, density, etc., to optimize their clarity for diagnostic use. Enters specific patient data into a computer via the digital keyboard and retrieves patient information from the computer to complete the statistical input into the VA VISTA/CPRS. Confers with the radiologists to ensure radiation doses to the patients from CT exams are maintained at the safest minimum levels. Ensure all CT exam protocols are preprogrammed into the CT equipment and must reflect an overall dosage per exam. Prepares all CT requisitions to be reviewed by a radiologist for appropriateness prior to scanning a patient. Work Schedule:
Monday-Thursday 10:
30am - 9:
00pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. English Language Proficiency:
Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d), and 7407 (d). 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:
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. 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. (1) 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. 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:
GS-9 (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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:
(a) 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 ( ):
Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References:
VA Handbook 5005/119 December 13, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements:
The work may require long periods of standing, walking and recurrent lifting of patients. Heavy lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees or with patient moving equipment. There is some bending, lifting and carrying of moderately heavy items such as cassettes and chemicals. The employee is required to work long periods (several hours) under duress.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Performs computerized axial tomographic scanning using both cerebral and whole body techniques. Receives patients, explains procedures, positions patients and makes exposures necessary for the examination. Schedules patients for examinations. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and arranges priorities to accommodate requests . Performs difficult and complex computerized axial tomography of the head, abdomen, spine, chest, neck and other areas of interests determined by the physician. Maintains knowledge of physiology and cross sectional anatomy. Performs computer applications including operation of teletype keyboard input. Recognize scans which illustrate the lesion and develop them through control of contrast, density, etc., to optimize their clarity for diagnostic use. Enters specific patient data into a computer via the digital keyboard and retrieves patient information from the computer to complete the statistical input into the VA VISTA/CPRS. Confers with the radiologists to ensure radiation doses to the patients from CT exams are maintained at the safest minimum levels. Ensure all CT exam protocols are preprogrammed into the CT equipment and must reflect an overall dosage per exam. Prepares all CT requisitions to be reviewed by a radiologist for appropriateness prior to scanning a patient. Work Schedule:
Monday-Thursday 10:
30am - 9:
00pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. English Language Proficiency:
Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d), and 7407 (d). 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:
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. 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. (1) 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. 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:
GS-9 (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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:
(a) 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 ( ):
Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References:
VA Handbook 5005/119 December 13, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements:
The work may require long periods of standing, walking and recurrent lifting of patients. Heavy lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees or with patient moving equipment. There is some bending, lifting and carrying of moderately heavy items such as cassettes and chemicals. The employee is required to work long periods (several hours) under duress.
- Department:
0647 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Salary Range:
$57,034 to $74,145 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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