Details
Posted: 03-Aug-22
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Salary: Open
Categories:
Allied Health
Internal Number: 633511900
The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all Diagnostic Radiography examinations and Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT Scan) examinations and reconstructions of raw data associated with the CAT Scan examinations. 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), and7407(d). Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or nonpaid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. 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-9Experience. 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. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist]. 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 (*): 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. Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. 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 on film, 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 interest to the physician. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 December 13, 2019 Physical Requirements: Intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 4 hours); standing (up to 4 hours); repeated bending (up to 2 hours); intermittent, but possible prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to distinguish basic colors; near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted)and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations; ability to wear required to personal protective equipment as required. ["Duties include but are not limited to: Performs all manner of general radiographic examinations. These may include general radiographic examinations of the upper and lower extremity, pelvis, spine, chest, and skull. Performs many Fluoroscopic radiographic examinations to include but not limit to: Upper GI's, Modified Barium Swallows, esophagrams, Barium enemas IVP's , Cystograms, Cholangiograms, Fistulagrams, arthrograms, Myelograms, enterocolysis's, PTC's, and Tomography. In the O.R .the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs retrograde cystourethrograms, orthopedic hip pinnings and ORIFs, kyphoplasty, Digital Subtraction Angiography and arthrectomy , Cholangiograms, Pacer Implants and other studies as needed with the use of C-Arms and the Cysto Unit. A thorough knowledge of radiographic positioning and anatomy must be possessed by the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Performs all manner of CT examinations. These include routine CT examinations of Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, and extremities, more complex examinations such as Liver protocols, pancreatic protocols, Lung nodule protocols, PE protocols and extremely complicated CTA's of the heart, Brain, Pulmonary Arteries and extremities, with multiplanar, 3D, and MIP(Maximum Intensity Projection) reconstructions. The CT Technologist must possess knowledge of anatomy and physiology in order to produce the more complex and complicated CT examinations. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing CT examinations and radiographic examinations requiring injectable contrast and enteric contrast. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, power injectors, contrast media, and enema bags. The radiographer must know the effects and adverse reactions of contrast media. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it and they must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment. Maintains effective control of Radiology and CT area by coordinating, planning, organizing and executing the daily work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departments on the wards, ER, and in surgery. Works independently in Surgery, MPU, Pain clinic, and while doing portable examinations. Schedules patient for exams and maintains daily log of patients and procedures to be incorporated into statistical management workload profiles. Enters patients into the Computerized Patient Record System. Performs all manner of general radiographic examinations. These may include general radiographic examinations of the upper and lower extremity, pelvis, spine, chest, and skull. Performs many Fluoroscopic radiographic examinations toe. Performs Quality Control procedures, which may include (but not exclusively) the following: 1)Daily tube warm up and calibration 2)Lead apron & glove radiation attenuation/penetration survey 3)Daily computer file maintenance 4)Reject/repeat film analysis 5)Radiographic equipment mA linearity and reproducibility 6)CT air calibrations7)CT phantom scan for ring artifact A thorough knowledge of all radiographic, fluoroscopic, and CT examinations and protocols Keeps abreast of technological advances in the fields of Radiology and CT and incorporates these advances into in-service educational programs for the nursing and physician staff and other technologists on procedures, operation and/or maintenance of new and existing medical equipment. Stays up to date on all Joint Commission Patient Safety goals and how they apply to Radiology. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday with some weekends, various shifts TBD\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)/PD000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]