The Eastern Colorado Health Care System is currently recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technician - Computed Tomography (CT) / MRI to work in our Colorado Springs location. 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 (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. 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: Entry Level GS-5 Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-6 Experience or Education: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. NOTE: Must be able to demonstrate the following Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure; Knowledge of anatomy and positioning; Knowledge of all patient safety procedures; Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment; and Ability to learn basic computer functions. GS-7 Experience or Education: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level or the successful completion of 1 full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation, but must be appropriate for the position being filled. NOTE: Must be able to demonstrate the following Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system; Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study; Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard or fluoroscopic procedures; Knowledge of the function of computed radiography, Phosphor cassettes and CR readers; and Knowledge of PACS, and basic computer skills; GS-8 Experience: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. NOTE: Must be able to demonstrate 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 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. NOTE: Must be able to demonstrate the following Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures; Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather 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; and Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. GS-10 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. NOTE: Must be able to demonstrate the following Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques including concepts of accumulated dosage and genetic changes; Skill to recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures; Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, in order to understand the operation of the equipment; and Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of difficult radiographic (CT, MRI, Special Procedures, Mammography, etc.) studies. References: VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G25 Physical Requirements: The physical demand of the work includes: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. ["Duties include but not limited to:\n- Performs all CT and MRI examinations on a rotational basis and general radiology examinations upon supervisory request as needed.\n-Performs CT examinations in multiple planes, including axial, coronal, sagittal and dynamic blood flow studies of the head and/or body. These studies include the ability to reformat CT images as directed by the Radiologist.-Works independently in performing examinations, reviews radiologists' protocol and urgency indicators, confers with radiologists to establish the requirements of nonstandard examinations, and determines technical requirements of the exam to be performed.\n-Reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested. If a discrepancy exists, the technologist will make an independent determination and take the appropriate corrective action or consult with the supervisor or radiologist.\n- Performs daily imaging suite preparation with pre-procedure calibrations on the scanner and interprets this information to determine if the scanner is within diagnostic specification. If needed, corrective action shall be taken, and a recalibration accomplished to bring the scanner values to acceptable levels.\n- Is proficient in venipuncture for those exams requiring the administration of IV contrast and to obtain labs required pre-procedure utilizing iSTAT.\n- Makes independent decision on the injection flow rate and the delay time of imaging of the automated power injector based on the knowledge of the suspected pathology, and an independent assessment of the viability of the patient's vein.\n- Utilizes a wide variety of computerized equipment specific to CT, as well as be proficient with the use of power injector systems, patient monitoring devices, various additional accessory equipment, 3D workstations and the PACS, (IMPAX) computer viewing station software. Is proficient with the hospital computer systems such as VISTA and CPRS as well as be proficient in exam selection.\n- Maintains the work area with proper medical and Emergency supplies needed for optimal patient care, safety and efficiency.\n- Maintains all CT/MRI record keeping that is required and takes an active role in the facility and Imaging QM and Safety Programs.\n- Determines which protocol and sequences will be scanned based on the patient's clinical history and diagnosis.\n- Reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested.\n- Makes an independent judgment to obtain additional images, perform post processing functions such as MIPs, vascular isolation, 3-Dimensional reconstructions, or perform additional post processing to achieve effectively thinner slices, or use an alternate processing algorithm to better achieve the diagnostic objective. The technologist may need to perform additional 3-Dimensional reconstructions on the 3D workstation post procedure, to further isolate vascular or other structures of interest to enhance the diagnostic effectiveness of the exam.\n- Determine what anatomical areas and scanner techniques will be used based on the information obtained in the patient's clinical history and interview with the patient for maximum diagnostic effectiveness.\n- Review the images obtained and determine if the diagnostic goal was met initially, the technologist will make an independent judgment to redo the sequence, take addition slices or alter the technique to achieve the clinical goal before the exam is terminated.\n- Monitors patients during and after injection to see if there is any reaction and informing Radiologist and/or Radiology nurse, or appropriate practitioners.- Utilizes appropriate Imaging SOPs, contrast administration policies, MRI / radiation safety, and additional policies and procedures.\n- Utilizes and completely fill out with the patients or authorized signatory person required modality specific screening forms (contrast, MRI Screening) as appropriate.-Able to discern implantable devices and compatibility for MRI procedures.\n-Able to check with approved sites or policies to ensure such devices are authorized to continue with exams.-Performs administrative duties as assigned, to include but not limited to, orders management, image upload, creation of discs, reception desk, and the retrieval of lab results. Work Schedule: 130PM to 10PM (actual tour of duty may vary based on needs of the facility)\nFunctional Statement #: GS-10 FS 55017-)\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]