---

Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computerized Tomography) Near Reno, NV

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).
  • 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9

1. 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.
2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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 (*):
   • *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.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25

The 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Responsibilities:

Work Schedule: Graveyards: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and every other Thursday
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized to highly qualified candidates
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Schedules add-on exams in a manner 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.
• 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 add-on patients for examinations. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention.
• Proficiently manipulates image data, utilizes multi-slice technology, generates diagnostic CTA, and multi-planar exams for interpretation.
• Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities. These angiographic studies include renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, portable fluoroscopic units. Such procedures may be performed in the operating room. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic or therapeutic studies of the vascular systems.
• Performs myelography of the spine when required. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal. Assists radiologists performing biopsies in Cat Scan.
• Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques.
• 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 ale1t for the patient's 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.
• Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography 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. In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary.
• 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 badge will be worn on duty to assure compliance to radiation safety policy. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.
• Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Follows department protocol for studies as requested.
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of patient logbooks registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system. All complications during exams will be logged and entered into the RIS. Transmits patient exams archived on Stentor P ACS system to teleradiology providers and faxes patient data sheets to providers.
• Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential .hazards that may occur as a result of the exam.
• Responsible for stocking and inventory of all CT supplies and related materials. Confers with radiologists to ensure that specific procedural supplies are stocked. Notifies supervisor of inventory levels.
• Assists and trains less experienced technologist and radiology students. May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations. Provides assistance to new medical clerks and volunteers in the service.
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of angiography and computerized tomography. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Job Summary