Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - CT

Veterans Health Administration • Syracuse, NY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) performs advanced general radiology and computed tomography duties at the Syracuse VAMC. CT procedures are the primary responsibility, taking approximately 80% of work time; general radiologic procedures account for approximately 20%. The technologist independently performs routine and complex examinations, including portable, cardiac CT, angiographic, and CT-guided procedures, and may assist in other specialty modalities as needed. The role includes prioritizing imaging requests, resolving complex patient situations, assessing image quality, and performing advanced CT examinations with minimal physician supervision.

The technologist also supports staff development by proctoring new staff and supervising and documenting CT coursework, clinical training, and other training. The position uses a compressed schedule of four 10-hour days, including weekend hours from 12:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and additional 10-hour weekday shifts. Telework and virtual work are not available.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by ARRT (R) and advanced certification in computed tomography by ARRT (CT).
• Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months, or equivalent, in a post-high-school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree from a JRCERT-accredited program or another program accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; eligible current VHA employees may qualify under the stated grandfathering provision.
• 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 techniques for gathering relevant information from medical records, significant others, and healthcare 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.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination and applicable background/security investigation and drug screening requirements.
• Comply with the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program and complete required onboarding and application documentation.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to evaluation and written certification for continued employment.
• Meet applicable credentialing standards and maintain required certification.
• Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited institutions may be used to qualify; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position and demonstrating the described clinical competencies (listed as preferred experience).

Responsibilities

• Perform CT procedures as the primary responsibility, approximately 80% of the time.
• Balance patient and staff needs while completing complex scans and procedures.
• Apply cross-sectional anatomy knowledge to spiral and multislice CT examinations.
• Perform 3-D reconstruction and other advanced CT imaging procedures.
• Conduct CT-guided drainages and biopsies.
• Perform peripheral vascular and cardiac CT examinations.
• Interpret imaging requests and determine appropriate examination protocols.
• Identify anatomical structures and assess their appearance and function on digital images.
• Evaluate image quality and determine whether scans are diagnostically acceptable.
• Tailor imaging to highlight areas of clinical interest for physicians.
• Perform advanced and complex CT examinations with minimal physician supervision.
• Establish venous access and perform venipuncture for iodinated contrast examinations.
• Perform general radiologic procedures approximately 20% of the time under medical direction.
• Conduct general X-ray, portable, fluoroscopic, pain-block, and DEXA examinations as needed.
• Assist with procedures in other specialty modalities when required.
• Prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Operate digital radiography equipment and PACS.
• Gather relevant patient information from medical records, patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
• Help schedule examinations to maximize equipment use while accommodating emergency studies.
• Apply radiation-safety practices, verify patient identity, and ensure images are correctly identified.
• Monitor patients, determine CT technical factors and positioning, consult radiologists on nonstandard examinations, and promptly report potential contraindications or abnormalities.
• Proctor new staff and supervise and document CT coursework, clinical training, and other training.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for prior federal employment or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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