Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computer Tomography)

Overview This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval - award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Qualifications 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.

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)

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)

English Language Proficiency

DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English

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)

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 Grade Determinations: 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 (*): 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

Preferred Experience: The applicant must be an ARRT-certified DRT with additional certification in CT

Ideally - they should have at least 3 years of experience

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 2019 PART II APPENDIX G25 Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination

Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties

Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy - regulation - or statute.

Responsibilities

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf This position is located in Medical Imaging Service - Boise VA Medical Center - Boise - ID

Duties include but are not limited to the following: Determines technical factors - positioning - number and thickness of scans - etc. - to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning

Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results

Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention

Must be able to use commercial PACS to correctly send patient information and images to an outside teleradiology contractor

Be able to correct minor problems as they arise

Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT and other exams

Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run 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 it

In addition - must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders

Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient

Starts IVs for contrast administration

Completes mandatory training to start IVs for administration of intravenous contrast material

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 and collimation

Film badges are worn by the technologists in compliance with radiation regulations

Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure

Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients

This includes registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system

Properly identifies patient images

This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur

The technologist must be certain that the patient I.D

band and the request are identical

Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number

Responsible to explain exams and consent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possible

Continually reviews new developments in the field of and computerized tomography

Is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available

The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Approved Virtual: This is not a virtual position

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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