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Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography

USA Jobs, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55401

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Radiologic Technologist

The incumbent's principal responsibilities are to perform Computerized Transaxial scan procedures (CT or CAT scans) and General Radiographic exams for the patients of this medical center. Responsibilities include operating independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. This position is qualified to perform CT scans. This requires the incumbent to be proficient with start up, shut down and basic manipulation of the CT scanner and all of its components. Examinations include, but are not limited to, CT examinations of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, extremities, neck, etc. The incumbent will also assist the radiologist in performing interventional procedures under CT guidance and all general imaging exams. Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table. Prepare room, equipment, and material needed for patient procedures. Prepares oral and injectable contrast and other chemical mixtures as necessary. Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures. Observe patients during procedures and report complications or unusual events. Processes films using CR/DR digital capture and can QC and transfer images successfully to PACS. Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures. Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and/or quality improvement activities of the Radiology Department. Performs daily maintenance of head and body phantoms, such as changing water, cleaning and removing air bubbles, etc. Administer contrast material, under the direction of the radiologist, according to protocols. Check and make minor adjustments to equipment such as setting wedges, or changing adjusters. Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc. Maintain a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms at all times. Provide training to student radiographers and residents from affiliated programs and facilitates the attainment of established program objectives. Practice hospital safety, radiation safety, infection control, and universal precautions at all times in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental procedures. The incumbent is responsible for the quality assurance of the image (positioning/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PAC's network. The incumbent assists housestaff in use of Auto Rad system and can also digitize films for the network and/or transmission to off site locations. The incumbent maintains workstations as directed by the manufacturer. Provide education to patients and their families on Imaging procedures clerical and file room duties related to patient care. Other duties as assigned. The incumbent will also participate in on-call to provide 24 hour, 7 day a week; will also participate in the departmental in-service program. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 11:00pm to 7:00am Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment: 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. You may be required to serve a trial period. 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, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications: 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. 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). 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: 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-9 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 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. 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. 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 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. 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 interrelationship 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