Diagnostic Radiologic Technician (CT)

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Duties & skills needed to be successful in this position include but are not limited to:

• Develops alternate imaging processes. The incumbent will be involved with difficult and intricate techniques (current or new) defining optimal protocols and devising alternate ways to visualize pathology within the patient. Must be able to set optimum technique and parameters in accordance with new or modified protocols as determined by the radiologist.
• Perform CT examinations of the head neck chest abdomen pelvis and extremities; for the purpose of acquiring high-quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders using standard and non-standard protocols.
• Other critical factors to consider in performance of imaging discipline: proper utilization special equipment such as monitors pulse oximeter ECG infusion pumps oxygen equipment and respirators inclusive of vital signs and medications used; incumbent must be highly cognizant of such devices and in their proper use. The incumbent must be familiar with the different types and sizes of IV catheters and ports to safely use for contrast administration.
• Understand and utilize 3D A/V rendering application software. Shall perform and demonstrate competency in the ability to perform quality post-procedure reformats and send to PACS. Make multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to include peripheral equipment and protocols such as 3D reconstruction to ensure accurate results.
• Prepare the CT systems for daily operation: bring systems up and check all self-calibrating parameters. Clean and prepare equipment surfaces in accordance with established infection control guidelines. Perform routine archiving status; check and deletes data according to established guidelines.
• Perform quality assurance testing on the CT units using phantoms test tools check lists etc. for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the equipment. Maintain records of the quality assurance testing so that easy reference is available should servicing be necessary.
• Assist manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions in all equipment associated with the CT systems
• Register patients during check-in and properly edit exams upon completion of work to ensure appropriate workload capture and credit.
• This position requires rotating on-call duties and overtime for emergency coverage. While assigned to on-call status the expectation is to respond to the medical center within 60 minutes from the time the call is received. Tours may also change depending on needs of the service or medical center.
• Actively seeks out work when assigned tasks are finished. Proactively identify administrative clerical or mechanical problems and define solutions. The incumbent accepts duties/assignments outside of his/her normal workstation for purposes of receiving additional training and to provide needed coverage as determined by his/her supervisor based on patient workload shift/changes and availability of personnel.
• Interview patients about their medical history; screen patients prior to exams to evaluate for contraindications to the procedure. Employ safety documents such as IMED consent or contrast forms.
• Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality. Modesty and comfort will be observed for all patients.
• Maintain adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to lack of necessary equipment or supplies. Incumbent shall familiarize themselves of the location various types and proper utilization of equipment and supplies.
• Assist with CT guided Interventional Radiology procedures
• Other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the Medical Center

• 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. 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).

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.
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
• 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 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).

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.