Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computerized Tomography)
a. Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. communicates both verbally or in writing with other hospital staff. b. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning; Schedules patients for examinations, advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results, and notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. c. Performs CT exams to include neuro, angiography, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated equipment such as pressure injectors, patient monitors, etc. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies. d. Performs CT myelography of the complete spine when required. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the entire spinal canal. e. Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires scrub-in technique, preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, supplying of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. This is done to minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures and involves the use of sterile packs, gloves, syringes, guide wires, catheters, cleanup trays, etc., after exam is completed. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. f. Works with the radiologist as a member of the surgical/radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Must continuously be on the alert for the patient's condition, sterile field, catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations, etc. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT and other exams. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. Performs continuing education to satisfy requirements for ARRT license; maintains BLS certification. h. Thorough knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices, techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, genetic changes, and effects of radiation on living organisms. Insures correct machine techniques to minimize such exposures, monitors the safeguards, and recognizes when changes of equipment or procedures might result in increased exposure. Then recommends alternative methods to prevent such exposures. This is achieved by the appropriate use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, collimation and distance management. Film badges are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance to radiation regulations and guidelines of the state. i. Performs reconstructions of CT and studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. j. Make notes in the patients' medical record when appropriate. Document in the patients' medical record the use of contrast media. Registering and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system, copying of images to CD. Assure that images are in Isite and are on the work list. Routing exams to different locations. k. Performs diagnostic testing and troubleshooting equipment problems as they arise and confers with Bio Med to resolve equipment issues/ problems. l. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient I.D. band and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number or date of birth as required by JCAHO. m. Responsible for explaining exams to patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday; 6:
00pm to 10:
00pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Basic Requirements:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g) Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of 1 year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of particular interest to the physician. This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification. Grade Determinations:
(a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.(b) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:
Advanced DRT. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. References:
VA HANDBOOK 5005/77 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements:
Light lifting (under 15 pounds); moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling (1-2 hours); pushing (3-4 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands required; walking (6-7 hours); standing (3-4 hours); kneeling (1-2 hours); repeated bending (3-4 hours); near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; and hearing (aid permitted). The environmental factors for this position are:
working closely with others and/or alone; protracted or irregular hours; and unusual emotional strain.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Monday - Friday; 6:
00pm to 10:
00pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Basic Requirements:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g) Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of 1 year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of particular interest to the physician. This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification. Grade Determinations:
(a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.(b) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:
Advanced DRT. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. References:
VA HANDBOOK 5005/77 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements:
Light lifting (under 15 pounds); moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling (1-2 hours); pushing (3-4 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands required; walking (6-7 hours); standing (3-4 hours); kneeling (1-2 hours); repeated bending (3-4 hours); near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; and hearing (aid permitted). The environmental factors for this position are:
working closely with others and/or alone; protracted or irregular hours; and unusual emotional strain.
- Department:
0647 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Salary Range:
$53,584 to $69,661 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
|
|
 | |
