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Summary The DRT (CT) works with a complex, multi-slice computer tomography scanner to independently perform computerized axial, sagittal, or coronal procedures of the neurological and musculoskeletal system, and dynamic blood flow studies of head, and/or bodies. Plans, directs and distributes work assignments to diagnostic radiologic technologist at lower levels. Performs and acquires data for specialized studies such as CT cardiac, CT virtual colonoscopy, CT angiography, and CT myelogram. Responsibilities Major Duties, but are not limited to: Performs and acquires data for specialized studies such as CT cardiac, CT virtual colonoscopy, CT angiography, and CT myelogram. Administers contrast as ordered, in a safe and effective manner. Prepares and stores oral and I.V. contrast material according to established policies. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans to produce and satisfy radiological safety requirements. Performs three-dimensional reconstructions (M.P.R.). Assists radiologist with specialized procedures such as percutaneous aspiration biopsies and abscess drainage. Reviews patient's medical record to obtain pertinent medical history and assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Consults with radiologist to develop standard and non-standard exam protocols. Coordinates and prioritizes scheduled as well as emergency patients in a manner to optimize workflow. Works with highly specialized equipment i.e.; power injector, CT insufflator, laser printer, CT Workstation. Recognizes physiological changes in specific patient situations that require modification of standard operating procedures in order to obtain adequate image data that yields diagnostically useful clinical information. Positions patients and makes the necessary exposure adjustments to produce quality images. Uses, stores and handle equipment in the appropriate manner to avoid deterioration. Informs any equipment breakdown immediately to supervisor to assure prompt repair. Maintains and organizes a well-supplied examining room with necessary equipment, contrast material, linen and all other supplies required to perform radiographic exams. Sets up CT scan room and assures that sterile supplies, contrast media and required equipment are ready for use. Disinfects radiographic equipment and disposes of contaminated materials according to established safety standards. Performs exams on all types of patients including medically and psychiatrically ill, unconscious, etc. Documents changes to protocols in patient exam notes (sticky notes). Balances the needs of patients and staff while concurrently performing complex scans and procedures. Transfers patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table using the proper technique to minimize risk of injury. Trouble shoots diagnostic radiologic equipment and makes minor repairs and/or adjustments. Documents pertinent patient information on the electronic medical records (CPRS). Checks and signs the emergency cart located in the CT scan area on weekends and holidays. Provides clinical instruction to student radiographers from affiliated programs and facilities. Assists in the preparation and modification of procedures manuals as necessary. Meets continuing education requirements, updates related to Infectious Control and remaining knowledgeable with agency policies and regulations. Performs computer functions in a timely, complete, and accurate manner regarding patient and exam status. After each study, transfers to PACS/I-Site system and enter weighted working units (WWU's). Provides patient care which is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the patient. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:60557F 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 probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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. 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). 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 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. 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: Grade Determinations for GS-9 Experience: At least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-8 level, directly related to the position of DRTs that demonstrates the following clinical competencies as described at the GS-8 level: (a) Ability to check system 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 patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; (d) Ability to monitor patient's 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; and (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. 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 (*): 1. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. 2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. 3. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. 4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. 5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. 6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. *Note: Please ensure how you meet these KSAs is clearly described in your resume; we may not make assumptions regarding your experience. Selective Placement Factor: Must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish language. 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 nonpaid 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. 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 this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing, walking and setting working with computer. Patients often are assisted to achieve proper positioning, which may require reaching, lifting, or working in strained positions. The deterioration of the patient due to disease progression often requires lifting of the patient from stretchers or wheelchairs to treatment and examination tables utilizing special techniques designed to minimize the discomfort of the patient. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.