Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)

Veterans Health Administration • West Haven, CT

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) works in the Radiology Department at West Haven, Connecticut. The announcement covers one intermittent and two part-time vacancies. The technologist performs CT imaging and related patient-care tasks, supports image quality assurance and transmission, maintains equipment and work areas, and provides instruction and education to students, residents, patients, and families. The role requires compliance with hospital and radiation safety, infection control, and universal precautions. Work schedules vary by vacancy: one part-time position is 12 hours per week on alternating weekends, 8 p.m.–8 a.m., with holidays and on-call duties; another is 24 hours per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., with rotational holiday coverage and weeknight/weekend on-call duties. The intermittent tour is determined as needed. Telework and virtual work are not available. The position is at the GS-9 level. Eligible appointees may qualify for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility and program approval; intermittent positions are not eligible. The EDRP may provide up to $200,000 in student loan repayment over one to five years. Recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Current certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), Radiography (R); advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments involving CT.
• 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; the program must be JRCERT-accredited or from a school accredited by ARRT, with ARRT radiology certification.
• Meet applicable radiologic personnel credentialing standards under 42 CFR Part 75 and the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08), directly related to the position, demonstrating the clinical competencies described for that level.
• 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 use in 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 interrelationships, identify organs on digital displays or film, assess images for diagnostic acceptability, and emphasize relevant findings for the physician.
• Meet the physical requirements of the position, including patient and equipment maneuvering, lifting and moving, extended periods of standing, sitting, or reaching, and required eye-hand coordination, color vision, depth perception, and response to audio signals.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation or examination and any required background/security investigation.
• Submit to pre-appointment urinalysis if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position.
• Complete the required online onboarding and application documentation; provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period and receive written certification that continued employment advances the public interest to remain employed after the trial period.

Nice To Haves

• CT certification is identified as preferred experience; advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include CT.

Responsibilities

• Transfer patients from stretchers or wheelchairs to imaging tables.
• Prepare rooms, equipment, and materials for patient procedures.
• Prepare oral and injectable contrast and other chemical mixtures as needed.
• Follow prescribed protocols to perform procedures.
• Observe patients during procedures and report complications or unusual events.
• Complete computer work and required forms related to patient exams, patient visits, complications, and Radiology Department quality-improvement activities.
• Administer contrast material under a radiologist’s direction and according to protocols.
• Coordinate with escorts, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, and others to maximize patient throughput.
• Keep assigned rooms clean and adequately supplied.
• Train student radiographers and residents from affiliated programs and support their established program objectives.
• Follow hospital safety, radiation safety, infection-control, and universal-precautions procedures, including age- and gender-specific departmental procedures.
• Check image quality, including positioning, labels, technique, and network information, before transmission to the PACS network.
• Assist house staff with the Carestream PACS system and transfer images to the network or offsite locations.
• Clean and maintain the work area, exam room, and imaging equipment according to manufacturer standards.
• Educate patients and their families about imaging procedures.
• Perform clerical and file-room duties related to patient care.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with a potential award of up to $200,000 over one to five years; intermittent positions are not eligible.
• Federal employee benefits package, with eligibility depending on position type and work schedule.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree