Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) Intermittent

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care you will operate in a model with three core elements seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veterans community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor Americas Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Computed Tomography (CT) position is assigned to the Fargo VA Health Care System Imaging Service/Computed Tomography department. FHCS is a level two complexity level providing research servicing ten CBOCs emergency department and in-patient facility. The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Computed Tomography Technologist employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and can carry out the assigned tasks independently.

Performs 100% CT exams to include complex CT Exams. This specialty modality requires specific knowledgeable of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral and/or multi-slice computer tomography and peripheral vascular examinations.

This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Computed Tomography (CT) position is assigned to the Fargo VA Health care system Radiology Service; Computed Tomography section. The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Computed Tomography Technologist employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and can carry out the assigned tasks independently. The incumbent provides intermittent coverage for the facility for coverage as needed. This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification in Computed Tomography (CT).

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 workstation 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 particular interest to the physician.

Functional requirements include but are not limited to:

• Technologist meets the requirements set forth in Fargo VA Health Care System policy for BLS; BLS Certification is maintained on a bi-annual basis and always complies.
• Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes.
• Technologist works under the supervision of the Section Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist and rotates all responsibilities within the CT section. He/she works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and Section Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist on more difficult problems. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives.
• Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology including location appearance and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases.
• Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include: Head Sinus Maxofacial Orbits Temporal bones TMJ Neck CT enterography CT urography Chest Abdomen Pelvis Extremities soft tissue and Multi-Planar Reformats CT and Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure.
• Performs fluoroscopy in surgery environment.
• Performs complex diagnostic and portable radiographic examinations within the facility for in- patients and the emergency department.
• Incumbent will work with the radiologist/physician as a member of the surgical /CT team.

Work Schedule: Intermittent (as needed)
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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.
• 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 dentification 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

• 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.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.
• 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 as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).

Grade Determinations:

GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level which is defined as: Checking system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; Working knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed; Working knowledge of patients clinical record diagnosis and laboratory results; Monitoring patients physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; Using tact diplomacy and courtesy in dealings with the customer base patients staff family visitors and volunteers; Working knowledge of anatomy and physiology and cross-sectional anatomy recognizing unusual images and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

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.

All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard please visit full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.

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: 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: