Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography)

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 addition must be continuously on the alert 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. 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.

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 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).
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit

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).

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/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.