Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)

Veterans Health Administration • Lubbock, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists at this level are fully functional advanced technologists who carry out assigned tasks independently. They perform special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full-performance level, provide clinical instruction, and perform basic quality management. The position performs computed tomography (CT) scans and uses superconducting magnets for medical imaging, contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. The technologist balances patient and staff needs during complex scans and procedures, gathers relevant information from medical records and care providers, assesses potential contraindications, and monitors patients and their records during procedures. The role also includes image evaluation and adjustment, system checks, radiation protection, and use of computed radiography and digital imaging systems.

Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Sign-on and relocation incentives are not authorized. The position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. The selected employee must serve a one- or two-year trial period.

The position requires U.S. citizenship, English proficiency, applicable radiologic technology education and certifications, and experience meeting the grade requirements. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected is GS-11.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• 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.
• Current American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification in Radiography (ARRT(R)); eligible current VHA employees may qualify under the applicable grandfathering provision.
• Current advanced ARRT certification in Computed Tomography (ARRT(CT)).
• At least one year of experience equivalent to GS-8, independently providing specialized and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues; qualifying experience must have been earned while holding active ARRT(R) certification.
• Demonstrate ability to balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Demonstrate knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from medical records, significant others, and health care providers.
• Demonstrate ability to assess factors that may contraindicate a procedure.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
• Demonstrate knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques, and universal precautions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural patient care.
• Complete pre-employment screening, onboarding, and required application documentation; selected applicants are subject to background/security investigation and drug testing.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment upon completion.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of creditable experience as a general radiographer.
• Two or more years of creditable experience in an applicable advanced certification area, such as CT.
• Experience using GE, Philips, or Hitachi CT equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform computed tomography (CT) scans and other special and complex imaging procedures.
• Use superconducting magnets for medical imaging, contrast media, power injectors, and PACS.
• Balance the needs of patients and staff while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Gather relevant information from medical records, significant others, and health care providers.
• Assess factors that may contraindicate procedures.
• Perform first aid and basic life support procedures related to radiography.
• Check imaging systems for operation and assess acceptable performance against established guidelines.
• Monitor patients’ clinical records, diagnoses, and laboratory results.
• Monitor patients for psychological changes during procedures and keep the radiologist informed.
• Use tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with customers, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
• Recognize unusual images and determine appropriate positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.
• Determine the technical adequacy of digital images and adjust image quality in the digital system as needed.
• Follow radiation protection standards and use minimum exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation, and lead shielding for standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures.
• Use computed radiography, CR readers, and digital imaging systems.
• Provide clinical instruction and perform basic quality management.

Benefits

• After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees with total family income below $144,000 may qualify after 60 days for a childcare subsidy of up to 25% of eligible childcare costs, subject to a monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; 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