Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)

Description:

The DRT(CT) technologist operates CT (Computed Tomography) scanners to acquire diagnostic images of patients, and support CT-guided procedures to enable the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Exam requests are screened for appropriateness and reviewed with a radiologist as needed.

Requirements:

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.


United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

• Certification. Must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT)(R); AND Advanced ARRT certification for Computed Tomography (CT) is required for this position. NOTE : Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic ARRT certification requirements. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification 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.
• Physical Requirements. Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical.
• English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA policy.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation).

Grade Determinations : In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, the following criteria must be met to be minimally qualified:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-9 LEVEL : Completion of 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-8), that is directly related to the position to be filled and that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics needed to provide services as a diagnostic radiologic technologist.

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 inter-relationship 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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/77 Part II Appendix G25

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting & carrying (15-44 lbs); Straight pulling and pushing (Up to 7 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking and standing (Up to 7 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision 20/50 and 20/100; Emotional/mental stability.