Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Computed Tomography

This announcement is an Open Continuous Announcement and will remain open until all position(s) are filled. Next cut-off will be February 6 2026.

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

• Reports to CT Supervisor prioritizes exams in a manner to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery etc. Coordinates patient-prep and transportation if needed for the emergent and scheduled patients.
• Performs computerized tomography following a myelogram procedure of the spine. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal.
• Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Axial coronal sagittal 3D reconstructions and MPR reconstructions are utilized to achieve optimal information for a proper diagnosis.
• Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques for biopsies or aspiration of fluid of anatomical region indicated. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and sharps; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education.
• Works with the radiologist/resident as a member of the radiographic team. Assist needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert for the patients condition sterile field and supplies needed for specific examination. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination recognize patient reactions anticipate technique factor difficulties etc.
• Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and therefore it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare addition must be continuously on the alert to the patients condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the qualified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary.
• Performs routine studies such as: Head ORBITS Sinus Temporal Bones Soft Tissue Neck C/T/L Spine Chest/Hi-Res Chest/ABD/Pelvis Liver Pancreas Kidney Renal Stone AAA Prostate Extremities - Upper/Lower and SIP Myelogram.
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography.
• Performs complex CT studies to include: CTA cardiac abdomen pelvis pulmonary embolism thoracic and gated studies with the ability to post process said studies.
• Responsible for performing/recording daily quality assurance phantom results.
• Ability to train new hires students and contractors in the safe and effective use of radiographic technique in acquiring suitable images for the Radiologist. Also train new hires and students to perform specialized studies such as: Endografts Renal Donors CT A s Circle of Willis Carotids Dissections Pulmonary Embolism Femoral Run-Offs and Biopsies/ Aspirations.

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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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).
• Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title series and grade held including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation.

• Experience. At least one 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.
• KSAs: And the candidate must demonstrate ALL of the following knowledge skills and abilities (KSAs) and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*). 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.
  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.