Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - CT

Veterans Health Administration • Reno, NV

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs computed tomography examinations of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body using contrast materials to produce diagnostic studies that support diagnosis and treatment. The technologist also performs radiographic examinations in general radiography, operating room radiography, and computerized tomography.

The role involves coordinating and prioritizing scheduled and add-on examinations while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. The technologist determines technical factors, patient positioning, and scan parameters; consults radiologists about non-standard examinations; and advises radiologists or referring physicians of results and scans requiring immediate attention. The technologist manipulates image data, uses multi-slice technology, and generates diagnostic CTA and multiplanar exams for interpretation.

The position includes call coverage and may require off-tour coverage for staff leave, holidays, or departmental and facility emergencies. Examinations are completed in a timely manner, with many procedures performed using surgical sterile techniques, including scrub-in, surgical tray preparation, contrast preparation, and maintaining sterility of the patient and equipment. The work schedule is days, Thursday through Saturday and every other Wednesday. Flexible scheduling is available; telework is not authorized.

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 the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification for assignments that include computed tomography duties performed independently.
• 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 an appropriately accredited program.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• 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.
• Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and its application to spiral and/or multislice CT, including 3-D reconstruction scans, drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations.
• Ability to interpret examination requests, understand organ function and relationships, identify organs on digital displays or film, assess image acceptability for diagnostic use, and emphasize relevant findings for the physician.
• Visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity.
• Ability to tolerate potentially long periods of walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing; transferring patients and objects may be required.
• Ability to work effectively in stressful situations and shift priorities based on patient needs.
• Willingness to undergo required pre-employment screening and investigation, including drug testing for selected applicants in testing-designated positions, and to complete onboarding requirements.
• Willingness to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program and serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Responsibilities

• Schedule add-on examinations to optimize scanner use while accommodating emergency cases and prioritizing patients.
• Consult radiologists to determine requirements for non-standard examinations.
• Determine technical factors, positioning, and the number and thickness of scans to meet CT examination requirements.
• Advise radiologists or referring physicians of examination results and notify them of scans requiring immediate attention.
• Manipulate image data, use multi-slice technology, and generate diagnostic CTA and multiplanar examinations for interpretation.
• Provide facility call coverage and follow the specified procedure for emergency direct patient care outside regular business hours.
• Provide off-tour coverage for staff annual leave, sick leave, holidays, and departmental or facility emergencies as needed.
• Perform examinations to completion in a timely manner and carry out other assigned duties.
• Perform examinations using surgical sterile techniques, including scrub-in, preparation of surgical trays and contrast, supplying catheters and guide wires, and maintaining sterility of the patient and equipment.
• Complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as TB screening or testing.

Benefits

• Federal employees earn annual leave based on years of federal service; selected applicants may qualify for annual-leave accrual credit based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

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