Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)

Veterans Health Administration•Iron Mountain, MI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs computerized tomography scans requested by facility clinicians, routine X-rays of the skull, chest, pelvis, spine, abdomen, and extremities, including portable exams, and fluoroscopy and C-arm imaging as needed. CT duties include angiography exams (such as carotids, COW, and CTPA), neuro/head, and core/extremity studies. The technologist operates independently and without direct supervision, coordinating and performing diagnostic radiology examinations with and without contrast to produce diagnostic studies that support diagnosis and treatment. The technologist ensures images are transmitted from the CT/X-ray console to PACS and/or a quality-control workstation, splits exams into the correct accession number according to IMVAMC image-storage standards, transmits images and relevant prior studies to the reading facility, and verifies receipt. Transmission, maintenance, or storage difficulties are reported to the PACS manager. Other duties may be assigned. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Compressed or flexible scheduling, telework, and virtual work are not available. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. This is a VA Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9, Computed Tomography specialty position. The role requires knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and its use in spiral and/or multislice CT, including 3-D reconstruction, drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist interprets examination requests, identifies organs and relevant anatomy on digital displays or film, evaluates images for diagnostic acceptability, and emphasizes areas of interest to physicians. The position requires the stated radiologic technology education, certification, clinical experience, and competencies. VA employment conditions include citizenship and English proficiency requirements, pre-employment screening and onboarding, seasonal influenza vaccination, and a one- or two-year trial period.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
Certification in general radiologic technology by ARRT in Radiography (R) is required.
Advanced ARRT certification is required for independent CT duties.
Completion of a post-high-school diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months (or equivalent), evidenced by a certificate or associate degree, from a JRCERT-accredited program or another Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, 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.
Must meet VA pre-employment requirements, including applicable drug screening, background/security investigation, onboarding, identification, and pre-employment evaluation requirements.
Must participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience with X-ray and CT.

Responsibilities

Perform computerized tomography scans requested by facility clinicians, including angiography, neuro/head, and core/extremity exams.
Perform routine X-rays of the skull, chest, pelvis, spine, abdomen, and extremities, including portable exams.
Perform fluoroscopy and C-arm imaging as needed.
Independently coordinate and perform diagnostic radiology examinations, with and without contrast materials.
Evaluate images and scans for diagnostic acceptability and emphasize areas of interest to the physician.
Transmit images from the CT/X-ray console to PACS and/or a quality-control workstation.
Split exams into the correct accession number according to IMVAMC image-storage standards.
Transmit images, including relevant previous studies, to the reading facility and verify receipt.
Notify the PACS manager of image transmission, maintenance, or storage difficulties.
Perform other duties as assigned.