Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist CT/IR

Veterans Health Administration • San Diego, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at Radiology Service with VA San Diego Healthcare System. Technologist receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures in both CT and Angio/Interventional. Employee reviews pre-procedure laboratory test results and determines if results fall within the established safety limits for receiving iodinated contrast material (BUN, Creatinine) and that blood coagulation levels (PT, INR) are within safe levels.

Major duties include but are not limited to: The Technologist independently reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested. If a discrepancy exists, the Technologist will make an independent determination and take the appropriate corrective action, including contacting the Referring Physician, Nurse Manager etc. The Technologist may need to interview the patient to obtain additional clinical information, and if needed will contact the clinician and/or clinic that made the request for clarification and may recommend a more appropriate exam to order. The Technologist will determine what views and technique to use based on this information for maximum diagnostic effectiveness. If the diagnostic goal is not met initially, the Technologist will make an independent decision to take additional views or alter the technique to achieve the goal before the patient leaves the department. The Technologist verifies the patient's identity using the JCAHO recommended three (3) patient identifiers, full name, Date of Birth and full social security number. The Technologist verifies the patient's demographic information to be sure it is correct and compatible with the DICOM format that is needed to validate patient and exam information so it can be viewed on PACS and electronically stored in the archive system. The Technologist may be part of the Informed Consent process, and will routinely be part of the JCAHO required "Time-out" procedure in Angio and CT when an invasive procedure is performed. The Technologist may be part of a Moderate Sedation team, when patients require sedation. The Technologist must use a wide variety of computerized equipment such as the Angiographic and CT equipment, Digital Fluoroscopy, iStat blood analyzer, Computer Acquisition and post-processing workstations, PACS viewing stations, and the hospital computer systems. The Technologist performs computed tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest and body with and without the use of contrast materials including biopsy, interventional procedures and peripheral vascular examinations. Performs CT guided biopsy studies of muscular skeletal system, neuro systems, lung, liver, kidney and other soft tissue sampling, abscess drainages, microwave or cyroablation studies requiring localization of wand placement. The Technologist performs neuroangiography, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as rotational imaging, computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal. Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities i.e. renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. 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 complete spine utilizing conventional x-ray units, patient immobilizers, etc., when required. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal. Performs hysterosalpingograms, arthrograms and joint injections as needed to support the service. Performs pre-procedural, procedural and post-procedural care of patients, including basic first aid and life support practices in radiography. Technologist will use ultrasound imaging techniques during interventional or angiographic procedures under the direction of a Radiologist for access to blood vessels, visulization of masses, organs and other areas as specified. The Technologist must make continuous assessments of the image quality and equipment performance for optimum performance and image quality. The Technologist will determine if the image quality problem can be corrected independently or if the problem needs to be reported to the Supervisor, Biomedical Engineering and/or the appropriate vendor for repair. The Technologist must be able to work in a surgical type environment where a sterile field must be maintained. The Technologist must maintain the assigned room with proper medical and Emergency supplies needed for optimal patient care and efficiency. The Technologist is required to wear a lead apron and be on their feet for extended periods of time. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• May be required to serve a trial 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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Required to serve a 1-year probationary period (OR "2-year trial period") during which performance and conduct will be evaluated.
• Resume must be detailed and include: Job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment; and average hours worked per week.
• 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.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT)(R).
• Advanced ARRT certification in computed tomography (CT).
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9) directly related to this position performing procedures related to CT/IR as well as general diagnostic procedures.
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
• Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.

Nice To Haves

• 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).
• 3 years of current and continuous CT and/or Interventional Radiology experience.
• Valid CT License.
• ARRT Certified DRT.
• California Radiologic Technology certificate in Radiography and Fluoroscopy is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures in both CT and Angio/Interventional.
• Reviews pre-procedure laboratory test results and determines if results fall within the established safety limits for receiving iodinated contrast material (BUN, Creatinine) and that blood coagulation levels (PT, INR) are within safe levels.
• Independently reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested.
• Makes an independent determination and takes appropriate corrective action if a discrepancy exists, including contacting the Referring Physician, Nurse Manager etc.
• Interviews patients to obtain additional clinical information, and if needed contacts the clinician and/or clinic that made the request for clarification and may recommend a more appropriate exam to order.
• Determines what views and technique to use based on patient information for maximum diagnostic effectiveness.
• Makes an independent decision to take additional views or alter the technique to achieve the diagnostic goal before the patient leaves the department if the goal is not met initially.
• Verifies the patient's identity using the JCAHO recommended three (3) patient identifiers: full name, Date of Birth and full social security number.
• Verifies the patient's demographic information to be sure it is correct and compatible with the DICOM format needed to validate patient and exam information for PACS viewing and electronic storage.
• May be part of the Informed Consent process.
• Routinely participates in the JCAHO required "Time-out" procedure in Angio and CT when an invasive procedure is performed.
• May be part of a Moderate Sedation team when patients require sedation.
• Performs computed tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest and body with and without the use of contrast materials including biopsy, interventional procedures and peripheral vascular examinations.
• Performs CT guided biopsy studies of muscular skeletal system, neuro systems, lung, liver, kidney and other soft tissue sampling, abscess drainages, microwave or cyroablation studies requiring localization of wand placement.
• Performs neuroangiography, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment.
• Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities (e.g., renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral).
• Performs myelography of the complete spine utilizing conventional x-ray units, patient immobilizers, etc., when required.
• Performs hysterosalpingograms, arthrograms and joint injections as needed to support the service.
• Performs pre-procedural, procedural and post-procedural care of patients, including basic first aid and life support practices in radiography.
• Uses ultrasound imaging techniques during interventional or angiographic procedures under the direction of a Radiologist for access to blood vessels, visualization of masses, organs and other areas as specified.
• Makes continuous assessments of the image quality and equipment performance for optimum performance and image quality.
• Determines if an image quality problem can be corrected independently or if the problem needs to be reported to the Supervisor, Biomedical Engineering and/or the appropriate vendor for repair.
• Maintains a sterile field in a surgical type environment.
• Maintains the assigned room with proper medical and Emergency supplies needed for optimal patient care and efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Access to a range of benefits designed to make a federal career rewarding
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position held and whether the position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree