Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography Angio Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Mather AFB, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Computed Tomography Angio Technologist performs routine to complex radiographic procedures with the use of diagnostic x-ray equipment in the Angiography, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, and Radiology department. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs angiography of the head, neck spine, chest and body, performs Cardiac Catheterizations, and is responsible for performing and coordinating the computerized tomography (CT) exams. For this grade level a minimum of 25% (10hrs) is spent working as both a Cardiac and Angiographic Technologist.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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 ( https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents ).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• 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.
• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)
• Certification Requirement: 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 Requirement: 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).
• Grandfathering Provision: 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.
• Experience: In addition to minimum qualifications, applicants must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower level, GS-09, that is directly related to the position being filled, that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
• Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.
• 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate ALL of the following KSAs: 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

• 3 Years Computed Tomography (CT) experience

Responsibilities

• Performs CT of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body with and without the use of contrast materials.
• Operates highly technical radiation producing equipment under the direction of Vascular, Cardiology and Radiology providers.
• Confers with Radiologists to determine requirements of nonstandard exams
• Performs cardiac catheterization and angiographic procedures, under sterile conditions. This requires advanced understanding of the sterile environment and thorough knowledge of all supplies needed, including guide wires; sterile packs; catheters; trays; etc.
• Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education.
• Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert 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.
• Performs quality control on the Lab scanner as required.
• Records contrast warmer temperature daily.
• Checks crash cart at beginning of shift.
• 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.
• Responsible for stocking and inventory of all CT, Cardiac and Angiographic supplies and related materials.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• 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)
• 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 child.
• 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 $416.66 .
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

What This Job Offers

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