Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography

Veterans Health Administration • Salt Lake City, UT

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs routine and complex computed tomography (CT) examinations independently, including examinations of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, spine, extremities, and vascular system. The technologist applies knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology, performs assigned and credentialed complex CT procedures, and may perform general radiography, portable radiography, and fluoroscopic procedures within training, credentialing, and scope of practice when operationally necessary.

The role involves selecting and adapting imaging protocols to the clinical indication and individual patient factors; reviewing records and screening information; interviewing and communicating with patients, families, caregivers, and care-team members; and assessing patients before, during, and after procedures. The technologist prepares and administers contrast materials through applicable routes, uses power injectors safely, and applies radiation protection and dose-optimization practices. The position also includes equipment checks, quality control, troubleshooting, infection control, accurate documentation and image processing, care coordination, and informal guidance or training for students and staff.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program eligibility and approval. The work schedule includes varying day and night shifts, weekends, holidays, and a call rotation. Telework and virtual work are not available. Relocation or recruitment incentives may be authorized; permanent change of station is not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), Radiography (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification in computed tomography for assignments involving independent CT duties, subject to the stated provisions for supervised on-the-job training and applicable grandfathering.
• Completion of a full-time diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months, or equivalent, in a post-high-school program 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, directly related to the position, demonstrating the required clinical competencies.
• Ability to balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Knowledge of 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.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of direct patient care and handling heavy medical equipment, including maintaining stamina, strength, and dexterity to assist patients safely.
• Meet applicable pre-employment screening, background/security investigation, identification, onboarding, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform routine and complex CT examinations of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, spine, extremities, and vascular system.
• Perform complex CT examinations as assigned and credentialed.
• Perform general radiography, portable radiography, and fluoroscopic procedures within training, credentialing, and scope of practice when operationally necessary.
• Select and modify imaging protocols based on clinical indications and patient-specific factors, including history, prior imaging, laboratory results, body habitus, ability to cooperate, implanted devices, and trauma status.
• Identify, evaluate, and resolve technical and clinical problems using appropriate established solutions.
• Use advanced CT software and post-processing applications to produce clinically useful images and reconstructions.
• Review the electronic medical record, imaging request, clinical history, prior examinations, laboratory values, allergies, medication profile, and provider notes before examinations.
• Order examinations in the electronic medical record and review screening and contrast-assessment forms for accuracy.
• Interview patients, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary care-team members to verify identity, explain procedures, obtain relevant history, assess cooperation, and identify factors affecting examinations.
• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and in a trauma-informed manner, adapting to patients' sensory or cognitive impairments, anxiety, pain, limited mobility, or language barriers.
• Assess patients before, during, and after procedures for clinical changes and potential complications.
• Support Safe Patient Handling and Mobility initiatives.
• Establish and maintain intravenous access when within scope of practice and local policy.
• Prepare, administer, and document contrast materials using intravascular, oral, rectal, and other routes; use power injectors safely and monitor patients and injection sites for adverse effects.
• Apply radiation-protection and dose-optimization principles, including ALARA practices, scan-range limitation, patient centering, exposure-parameter selection, dose modulation, and shielding.
• Monitor CT dose information, identify potential unnecessary or unusually high exposure, take corrective action within assigned authority, and communicate concerns.
• Perform or document daily equipment checks, quality-control procedures, and operational assessments; identify and report image-quality concerns, malfunctions, software issues, and safety hazards; troubleshoot within competency.
• Apply infection-control practices required by Medical Center and Radiology Service policy.
• Coordinate patient care with clinics and departments and balance patient, staff, and service needs while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Prioritize assignments and manage time and work to meet deadlines and standardized operating procedures.
• Maintain accurate patient, procedure, contrast, dose, image, and examination-status information in VA electronic systems; ensure images and associated data are correctly labeled, routed, transmitted, reconciled, and available for interpretation.
• Document information required for quality assurance, quality control, performance improvement, patient safety, contrast administration, radiation-dose monitoring, equipment issues, and adverse-event reporting.
• Process and review patient studies in electronic medical systems, including VistA, VistA Imaging, RIS, Joint Legacy Viewer, iPlan, and PACS.
• Provide technical guidance, orientation, and informal training to students, new employees, lower-graded DRTs, nursing personnel, and other clinical staff, as assigned.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with an award amount of up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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