Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

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

• Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures under the guidance of senior staff members. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units the chest unit and general diagnostic units.
• Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam.
• Receives and interprets radiology requests.
• Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer.
• Properly identifies the patient and the images.
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients staff and self in compliance to radiation regulations and guidelines of the state.
• Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patients individual medical conditions and body habitus.
• Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the ordered procedure.
• Explains to competent patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure.
• Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and 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 Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures.
• Responsible for cleanliness (to assure that all radiological equipment is clean and sanitary) and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas.
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients.
• Perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers.
• Prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
• All diagnostic Radiologic technologists must be knowledgeable in Computerized Radiography (CR) and Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS).

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.

Please make sure your Resume or CV contain the specific date ranges and include full time or part time. Please elaborate on your job duties. HR will need to know what you do at your current job in order to qualify applicants for the position and grade levels. Failure to do so may result in qualifying to a lower grade or not at all.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:- Citizenship: Must be a Citizen of the United States.- English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).

CERTIFICATION: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. (COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)

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 associates 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. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

GS-5 GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Experience or Education - None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-6 GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Experience or Education - At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) OR the successful completion of a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging.

In addition to the experience above the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
2. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
3. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
4. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
5. Ability to learn basic computer functions.

GS-7 GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Experience or Education - At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6) 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.

In addition to the experience above the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
2. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
3. 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.
4. Knowledge of the function of computed radiography Phosphor cassettes and CR readers.
5. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

GS-8 GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Experience - At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

In addition to the experience above the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
3. Knowledge of patients clinical record diagnosis and laboratory results.
4. Ability to monitor patients physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
5. Skill in using tact diplomacy and courtesy in dealings with the customer base patients staff family visitors and volunteers.
6. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and cross-sectional anatomy recognizing unusual images and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

References: VA Qualification Standards found at: full performance level of this vacancy is 8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 5 to 8.

Physical Requirements: The employee works and functions in the medical center in a safe manner including infection control and the correct operation of equipment. Frequent walking bending stooping pushing and lifting.