Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Major duties:

• Performs fluoroscopic examinations under the guidance and direction of the Radiologists in the less complex fluoroscopic examinations.
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP cystogram cholangiograms fistulagrams and aithrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI the case of injected media a patient consent form must be obtained. These procedures require the use of needles syringes oral contrast barium enema bags and drinking cups.
• Responsible to the Radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.
• Sends emergent studies after hours to offsite Teleradiology station assuring proper form is completely filled out.
• Responsible for the quality assurance of the image such as positioning label technique and net work information.
• Proficient in the operation of PACS the transference of selected images and verification of their arrival for interpretation and dictation.
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons lead gloves lead shields lead-lined walls and collimation. The technologist will assure compliance to radiation regulations wearing film badges. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.
• Adheres to Medical Center infection control and universal precautions at all times in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental procedures. Follows safety guidelines according to established policies and procedures ensuring the proper disposal of contrast media sharps and bodily fluids.
• Registers patients if clerical support is not available using the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface.
• Follows Joint Commission National Safety Goals. Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technician must be ce1tain that the patient ID band and the request are identical.
• Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards if any are possible. May be required by procedure or patients condition to monitor vital signs recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Performs radiographic exams in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology department due to incapacity or surgical procedures.
• Performs fluoroscopic exams in the Pain Clinic using the digital C-Arm.
• Reports equipment malfunctions in a timely manner to the supervisor.
• Is required to work alternating Holidays and cover for staff shortages as needed.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Qualifications

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.

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d) and 7407 (d).
• Education-Transcripts Submitted: 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).
• Certification-Documentation Submitted: Must be certified in Advanced Radiology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology ARRT (R).

• 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 patients clinical record diagnosis and laboratory results.
• Ability to monitor patients 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.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and cross-sectional anatomy recognizing unusual images and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.