Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography)

Veterans Health Administration • Lake City, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist provides computed tomography (CT) diagnostic radiology services and performs technical work in support of Diagnostic Imaging under a physician’s direction. The technologist operates CT equipment and assists radiologists with biopsies, drainages, microwave ablation, and peripheral vascular procedures as part of patients’ diagnostic plans. The role also includes mentoring and guiding CT and radiology students during their clinical rotations.

The technologist performs a range of CT examinations, including head, neck, spine, chest, and body imaging with and without contrast. Responsibilities include preparing patients, positioning them, making exposures, preparing the CT suite and equipment, confirming patient identity using two identifiers, documenting scan details, and checking image quality before sending images to the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). The technologist uses electronic systems including Vista and CPRS to review relevant patient information and practices radiation safety. The position is based at the Lake City VA Medical Center and is not virtual. The work schedule is 9:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., Wednesday through Saturday, with on-call rotations and Federal Holidays. Telework is not available. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program eligibility and approval; awards may be up to $200,000. This is a permanent federal position, and relocation or permanent change of station is not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by ARRT in Radiography (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification in computed tomography for assignments that include CT.
• Completion of a full-time 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 accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position, demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
• 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 pre-employment screening, background investigation, onboarding, and applicable application-document requirements; selected applicants in testing-designated positions are subject to pre-employment urinalysis.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of prolonged standing and walking, bending, lifting, and carrying light items, and occasional moderate exertion, including assisting with lifting and positioning patients.

Responsibilities

• Operate computed tomography equipment and perform CT diagnostic imaging under the direction of a physician.
• Assist radiologists with biopsies, drainages, microwave ablation, and peripheral vascular procedures.
• Mentor and guide CT and radiology students during clinical rotations.
• Receive and position patients for examinations, make necessary exposures, and prepare the CT suite and equipment.
• Verify each patient's identity using two forms of identification.
• Perform CT examinations of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body, with and without contrast materials.
• Perform advanced imaging examinations and apply knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy to CT imaging.
• Maintain courteous, respectful, and cooperative relationships with management, coworkers, students, patients, and others.
• Record CT radiation doses, contrast amounts, and IV placements, and document information in electronic software for the patient's report.
• Report equipment failures in a timely manner.
• Use Vista and CPRS to review relevant patient information, including laboratory reports, nursing notes, orders and consults, physician notes, allergies, and radiology reports.
• Practice radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self.
• Set up and operate ancillary equipment, including oxygen tanks and regulators, vital monitors, defibrillators, and suction equipment.
• Perform quality control and assurance checks on completed CT scans, ensure images are suitable for radiologist interpretation, and transmit images to PACS.
• Balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Gather relevant information from medical records, significant others, and health care providers; assess factors that may contraindicate procedures.
• Apply first aid, basic life support, physical assessment, aseptic technique, intravenous methods, universal precautions, and pre-, intra-, and post-procedural patient care.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with awards up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Potential credit for prior federal or military service toward annual leave accrual, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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