Career Center

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-CT position is located in the Radiology department at the West Haven, CT location. This position is a Part-Time position at 24 hours per week. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), 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. Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation, and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education, and be certified as radiographers in their field. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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 interest to the physician. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification. 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 and meet the criteria).Grade Determinations:GS-8 DRT Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed; Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; and Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. GS 9 DRT Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. The candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures; Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers; Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the 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 care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G25The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: This position requires a moderate amount of physical activity working with the equipment and maneuvering patients including eye/hand coordination; full use of arms, hands and wrists; transporting, lifting, lowering, moving, turning heavy objects and/or patients; standing, sitting, or reaching for extended periods of time. Requires color vision and depth perception: must be able to differentiate subtle shades of gray on a diagnostic image; must also respond to audio signals ["The duties may include but are not limited to: Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to imaging table Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures Prepares oral and injectable contrast and other chemical mixtures as necessary Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and /or quality improvement activities of the Radiology Department. Administer contrast material, under the direction of the radiologist, according to protocols. Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc. Maintain a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms at all times Provide training to student radiographers and residents from affiliated programs and facilitates the attainment of established program objectives Practice hospital safety, radiation safety, infection control and universal precautions at all times in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental procedures Responsible for the quality assurance of the image (positioning/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PAC's network. Assists house staff in use of Carestream PACS system and can also transfer images to the network and/or transmission to offsite locations. Responsible for cleaning and maintaining the work area, exam room, and imaging equipment to standards set by the manufacturer. Provide education to patients and their families on Imaging procedures Clerical and file room duties related to patient care Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Various hours. To be determined upon time of selection. Weekends & holidays with occasional rotational coverage in Newington.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nEDRP Authorized: Contact Sean Moser, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance at sean.moser@va.gov.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required."]