Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. Confers with requesting services so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery etc.
B. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors positioning number and thickness of scans etc. to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention.
C. Performs exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires scrub-in technique preparation of surgical trays preparation of contrast supplying of catheters and guide wires sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and sharps; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education.
D. Works with the radiologist as a member of the surgical/radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert for the patients condition sterile field catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations etc. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination recognize patient reactions anticipate technique factor difficulties etc.
E. 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. ln 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. ls trained to insert lV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. Calculates eGFR values and utilizes iStat analyzer.
F. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients staff and self. This is achieved by using lead aprons lead gloves lead shields lead lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technicians to ensure compliance with radiation regulations.
G. Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure.
H. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes patient registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system.
I. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient l.D. band and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number.
J. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards if any are possible. Obtains consent from the patient or authorized person for invasive procedures.
K. Performs irregular hour emergency scans on standby 24 hours per day coverage. Requires the technologist be available within 45 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. Performs diagnostic radiographic examinations as required.
L. Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography and radiology. ls 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.
M. The primary age of patients treated and cared for are normally at the geriatric level i.e. 60 years of age or older although occasionally there may be younger patients between the ages of 18-60 years of age that require care. The position requires the incumbent to possess or develop an understanding of the particular needs of these types of patients. Sensitivity to the special needs of all patients in respect to age developmental requirements and culturally related factors must be consistently achieved.

Work Schedule: Multiple shifts available (Occasional On-Call hours)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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.

• 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.

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 (CT) certification is required for this assignment.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 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. *** Copy required with Application packet
• 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). ***Transcripts required with application packet.

• 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.