Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)

Veterans Health Administration•Albany, NY

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) works at the Albany VAMC. The incumbent schedules examinations as needed to optimize use of radiographic equipment, including the CT scanner, while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. The role requires prioritizing scheduled patients and accommodating emergency patients who may need immediate emergency surgery. The technologist receives and interprets procedure requests or instructions from radiologists or medical officers, independently carries out physician requests, and records and uses appropriate CPT codes for examinations. The incumbent generally works independently and seeks assistance from a higher-graded technologist only rarely, such as when a unique or new procedure is required. Under radiologist supervision, the technologist prepares contrast materials for examinations requiring injectable solutions, including CT scans, IVP, cystograms, cholangiograms, fistulagrams, and arthrography, as well as oral and rectal examinations of the GI tract. This is a GS-9 position, with a full-performance level of GS-9. The schedule consists of 10-hour shifts, including weekends, with rotating days off. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Physical work includes standing, walking, bending, twisting, carrying items, and transferring patients using moving implements.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified candidates cannot be recruited under VA policy.
Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
Advanced ARRT certification for assignments that include computed tomography (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 and accredited by JRCERT 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 for that level.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
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.
Specific knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application to spiral and/or multi-slice CT, including 3-D reconstruction scans, drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations.
Knowledge of the location, appearance, and function of body systems and organs relevant to radiological imaging, and ability to interpret examination requests, identify organs on digital displays or film, and judge image or scan acceptability for diagnostic use.
Pass a pre-employment physical examination and applicable background/security investigation; selected applicants are subject to drug screening and required onboarding procedures.
Meet applicable identification, Selective Service registration, seasonal influenza vaccination, and application documentation requirements.
Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.

Responsibilities

Schedule examinations to optimize the use of radiographic equipment, including CT scanners, while preserving flexibility for emergency cases.
Prioritize scheduled patients and accommodate emergency patients who may need immediate emergency surgery.
Receive and interpret procedure requests or instructions from radiologists or medical officers.
Independently carry out physicians’ requests and record and use appropriate CPT codes for examinations.
Prepare contrast materials under radiologist supervision for procedures requiring injectable solutions and for oral and rectal GI examinations.
Perform complex CT scans and procedures, applying cross-sectional anatomy and imaging techniques as appropriate.
Assess whether factors may contraindicate a procedure and provide appropriate pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural patient care.
Use appropriate patient assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods, and universal precautions.