Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography )

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist:
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Functions:
a. Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery etc.
b. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors positioning number and thickness of scans etc. to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Ensures all images and associated series are transmitted to the PACS immediately upon completion.
c. Performs computerized axial angiography exams per protocol. Performs reconstructions of CT angiography studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure.
d. Assists radiologist when performing CT Guided Biopsies and aspirations. Setting up equipment. Prepare slides and specimens when lab personnel are not available and deliver to the laboratory service. Maintains ample supplies prior to all scheduled exams and procedures.
e. Responsible for routine monitoring and stocking of all CT supplies and related materials to ensure optimal inventory levels.
f. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and sharps; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education.
g. Works in close collaboration with the radiologist as a member of the radiology team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists in the performance of the CT exam and related special procedures. Must demonstrate effective situational awareness of but not limited to the patients condition examination protocols equipment operability environmental hazards active/passive safety measures and emergency procedures. The alertness of the individual is essential to recognize patient reactions anticipate technique factor difficulties and effectively respond to workplace emergencies etc.
h. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT exams. Improper use or administration of contrast materials runs the risk of patient mortality and therefore it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare addition must be continuously alerted to the patients condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary.
i. Public Law 97-35 requires people hired after 1987 who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75 must be certified as radiographers in their fields and maintain annual licensure renewal. Per VA Handbook 5005/77 Part II Appendix G25 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard all CT technologists hired after June 26 2014 must be ARRT certified with Advanced certification in CT. CPR certification is required and recertification in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines.
j. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons lead gloves lead shields lead lined walls collimation exam screening/verification dose monitoring annual staff safety training and daily QA. Technologists must wear film badges in compliance with radiation regulations.
k. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient I.D. band and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming at least two identifiers: patient name full date of birth or social security number.
l. Responsible for explaining basic exam indications preparation requirements and contraindications to alert and oriented patients so that patients understand the general exam procedure to include adverse effects if any are possible.
m. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the proper registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system copying images (to PACS CD or film) logging patients onto the HIS-RIS work list.
n. Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography through continuing education compliance activities. Continually strives to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide patients with the highest quality imaging for diagnostic purposes.

Work Schedule: M-F 12:30P to 9:00P

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS.
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.)
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 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.
Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35 the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 requires that people 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.
Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation which may also result in termination of employment.
Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
GRADE REQUIREMENTS.
a. Creditable Experience
Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge skills abilities and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice which is paid or non- paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT.
Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.
Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example a DRT would receive one week of full-time credit for each two weeks of half-time work.
Specialized Assignments.
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.
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-8
(1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
(2) Assignments. 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.
(3) Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Ability to check systems for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
(b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
(c) Knowledge of patients clinical record diagnosis and laboratory results.
(d) Ability to monitor patients physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
(e) Skill in using tact diplomacy and courtesy in dealings with the customer base patients staff family visitors and volunteers.
(f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and cross-sectional anatomy recognizing unusual images and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.