This position is located in the Medical Imaging Service, Walla Walla VA Medical Center, Walla Walla, WA. This position provides support to all areas of medical imaging. The incumbent will be supervised by the Supervisory DRT/Chief Technologist of Radiology. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. 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). Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. 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 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. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).] 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 U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations: GS-9 Experience. One 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. 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT). Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures 2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. 3. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. 4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. 5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. 6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, PART II, APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is 9 Physical Requirements: The work requires intermittent lifting of 25 pounds or less. The work requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, bending, twisting and pulling/pushing. Simple grasping and fine manipulation are required intermittently when working with the keyboard and equipment. The work is performed in a medical facility in a variety of settings. The incumbent interacts with patients in a medical setting. ["FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES:\nComputerized Tomography: Prioritizes exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for STAT cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the STAT patient who may need immediate intervention. Coordinate's patient preparation for urgent and routine patients. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination completion. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Utilizes highly sophisticated equipment such as computerized tomography scanners, pressure injectors, patient monitors, etc. taking education, training, and available resources into account for appropriate usage. Performs all studies presented in the CT Department. This includes but is not limited to routine and specialty neuro, chest, body, musculoskeletal, and CTA imaging as well as interventional/specialty procedures (i.e. biopsies, aspirations, injections, bladder and rectal contrast administration, etc.) when being conducted in the department. Works with the radiologist and administrative staff as a member of the radiology team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists in the performance of exams, to include recommending appropriate contrast materials in order to achieve optimal diagnostic results. Must be continuously on alert for the patient's condition, the sterile field, and the supplies needed for each specific examination. The alertness of the technologist is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technical factor corrections, etc. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials runs the risk of patient mortality. Therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, the technologist must be continuously on 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. Explains examinations to patients including effects of contrast materials utilized so they understand the purpose and requirements associated with its use. May be required to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Performs and records quality assurance results performed per the Equipment Quality Control and Preventive Maintenance SOP, per manufacturer recommendations, and per supervisor guidance. Communicates pertinent information regarding equipment malfunctions, workspace concerns, schedule concerns, supply needs, etc. to the appropriate personnel (i.e. coworkers, CT Supervisor, Biomedical Engineering, etc.) in an appropriate and timely fashion. Trains/precept's new hires, and contractors in the safe and effective use of radiographic technique in acquiring suitable images for the radiologist. The incumbent has the knowledge and ability to train new hires contractors to perform all exams as expected in the CT suite. Diagnostic: Performs routine radiographs. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Schedule's appointments, registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Utilizes PACS for acquisition, transmission, storage, and review of images, performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the radiologist. Performs Quality Control procedures, which may include (but not limited to) the following: reject/repeat image analysis, lead apron and glove radiation verification. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Practice's radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. This is achieved by the appropriate use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, collimation, and distance management. Dosimeters are worn by the radiographer to ensure compliance to radiation protection regulations and guidelines. Interview's patient to obtain pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the examination being performed. Explains to patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete them. Performs additional duties as necessary within the scope of practice for Diagnostic Radiography. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0800 - 1630\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]