Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography (CT)

Veterans Health Administration • Minneapolis, MN

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs computerized transaxial (CT or CAT) examinations for patients at the Minneapolis, Minnesota VA Health Care System. The position is part of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist group and includes CT examinations of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, extremities, neck, and other areas. The technologist may assist radiologists with CT-guided interventional procedures and general imaging examinations. The role includes preparing patients, rooms, equipment, contrast materials, and required documentation; observing patients during procedures; and ensuring image quality before transmission to the PACS network. The technologist also maintains head and body phantoms, coordinates patient throughput with clinical staff, participates in departmental in-service activities, and shares on-call coverage to support service availability around the clock, including some holidays.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some on-call and holiday work. It is a permanent, non-virtual position. The full-performance level is GS-9. A three-year service agreement may be required for participants in the Student Loan Repayment Program, if eligible; the program offers repayment up to $40,000 annually and $100,000 over a lifetime. The position is not authorized for a sign-on or recruitment/relocation incentive or permanent change of station assistance.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except where VA policy permits appointment of a non-citizen when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), Radiography (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification for CT assignments involving independent performance of CT duties.
• Completion of a post-high-school diagnostic radiologic technology training program of at least 24 months (or equivalent), evidenced by a certificate or associate degree and accredited by JRCERT or another Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position, demonstrating the required clinical competencies.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Ability to balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from medical records, significant others, and health care providers.
• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate a 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 patient care.
• Knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application to spiral and/or multislice CT, including 3-D reconstruction scans, drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations.
• Must meet federal credentialing standards for personnel who administer radiologic procedures.
• Must meet applicable background/security requirements and complete pre-employment onboarding and required documentation.
• Must participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• Must complete a pre-employment physical examination or evaluation.

Nice To Haves

• Eligibility for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP), subject to program requirements and a three-year service agreement.
• Prior work experience or military service may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, subject to approval.

Responsibilities

• Perform CT examinations, including examinations of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, extremities, and neck.
• Assist the radiologist with CT-guided interventional procedures and general imaging examinations.
• Transfer patients from stretchers or wheelchairs to the radiographic table.
• Prepare the room, equipment, and materials needed for patient procedures.
• Prepare oral and injectable contrast and other chemical mixtures as necessary.
• Follow prescribed protocols when performing procedures.
• Observe patients during procedures and report complications or unusual events.
• Complete computer work and required forms related to patient examinations, patient visit credits, complications, and Radiology Department quality-improvement activities.
• Perform daily maintenance of head and body phantoms, including changing water, cleaning, and removing air bubbles.
• Administer contrast material under the radiologist's direction and according to protocols.
• Coordinate with escorts, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, and others to maximize patient throughput.
• Verify image quality, positioning, labels, technique, and network information before transmitting images to the PACS network.
• Participate in on-call coverage to provide service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including some holidays.
• Participate in the departmental in-service program.

Benefits

• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster-care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees with total family income below $144,000 may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, up to 25% of eligible childcare costs and a monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Potential Student Loan Repayment Program assistance of up to $40,000 annually and $100,000 over a lifetime, subject to eligibility and a three-year service agreement.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

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