Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)

SummaryThe Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) position is in the Diagnostic Imaging Service at the VA Maine Healthcare System located at the Augusta - ME location. This position is full time at 40 hours per week.QualificationsBasic Requirements:United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyCertification: 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 applicableAdvanced certification indicates that the incumbent can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examinationIn 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 technologistEducation: 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)NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)GS 9 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 8) - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that levelEmployees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independentlyDRTs 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 programAssignment: 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 examinationsThe technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location - appearance - and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illuminationto interpret the examination request accuratelyto understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organsto 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 physicianThe candidate must demonstrate the experience above as well as the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1.*Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures2Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers3.*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure4Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography5Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions6Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patientsReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/Physical Requirements: Light to Moderate lifting and carrying - up to 44 lbsLimited to 35lbswith straight pullingpushingreaching at and above shouldersuse of both hands and fingers requiredwalking and/or standing (6- 8hours)crawlingkneelingability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneouslyPhysical Environment: Standard: The size and layout of the facility must be adequate to allow for patient comfort - privacy and special needs as well as fostering appropriate workflowThis includes areas for imaging exams - control rooms - processing - image interpretation - patient changing - recovery/post-procedural care - waiting - administration - storage - record filing - medical physics services - engineering services - and staffHospital Care setting.DutiesThis Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) position is in Diagnostic Imaging Service at the VA Maine Healthcare System - located at the Augusta - ME locationDuties include - but are not limited to: Use specific knowledge of human anatomy - including-cross sectional anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or multi-slice Computer Tomography including - exams of the head - neck - spine - chest - body - and extremities CT Angiography - drainages - and biopsiesEvaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate the more urgent studies requestedDocuments CT scan radiation dosePerforms quality control/assurance checks on completed CT scans to ensure optimally diagnostic images are referred for radiologists' interpretationReceives patients and explains procedures - prepares CT room and equipment Responsible to explain exams to competent patients - and /or family members - so that it is understood as to what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possibleMay be required to monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions - and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation - and emergency measures to include AEDProperly identifies patient imagesThe technologist must be certain that the patient I.Dand the request are identicalUse of two identifiers is required - full social security number - first and last name - and date of birth are suitable identifiersResponsible to the Radiologists and Supervisor for the quality and quantity of CT exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costsPrioritizes scheduled and emergent patients who may require immediate careConfers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard examsDetermines technical factors - positioning - number and thickness of slices - etcPerforms peripheral and visceral CT Angiography of the abdominal systems and extremitiesPerforms exams utilizing surgical sterile technique as requiredPrepares contrast materials that are used in CT and CT angiography and other examsPerforms 3-D reconstructions of CT and CT angiography studies when requested or when part of a standard procedureResponsible for ordering - stocking - and inventory of all CT and CT angiography supplies and related materialsWork Schedule: Full time - varies Compressed/Flexible: Not authorized Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: F03185 Recruitment/Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experienceParental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a childChild Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VAInsurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)Notifications: This position is in an AFGE Bargaining UnitThis position is in the Excepted ServiceThis position is on a special salary rateCurrent and former Federal employees may submit copies of their most recent SF-50 - (Notice of Personnel Action)The SF-50 must identify the position title - series - grade - step - tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted)In some cases - more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously heldNo award SF50's will be acceptedNarrative responses to the knowledge - skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.