Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-Advanced DRCT

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

The duties associated with this position include but are not limited to the following:

• Performs radiographic examinations of the skull torso and extremities or routine physical examinations and for diagnosis of illness or injuries. Often these procedures are performed on patients with severe injuries patients who will not cooperate due to their mental status paraplegic and quadriplegic patients who are almost helpless and patients with deformities which make it impossible to use routine techniques and positioning.
• Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons using portable x-ray units and mobile fluoroscopic units to achieve these exams.
• Responsible 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.
• 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 technologists to assure compliance to radiation safety regulations wear 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.
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RlS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface.
• Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left and right lead markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical.
• Explains exams to 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.
• Monitors equipment for proper operation and reports malfunctions to supervisor and/or Biomedical Engineer.
• Maintains required supplies in the radiographic room in a neat and orderly manner. Ensures that sterile supplies contrast material catheters or other required supplies are adequate and within the use by date.
• Establishes workflow of CT schedule in a manner to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases.
• Consults with radiologists to determine the protocol for CT order. Determines technical factors positioning number and thickness of scans etc. to produce and satisfy the requirements of CT scanning. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention.
• Performs CT angiography including run-offs and pulmonary embolus studies. These studies require the use of power injectors and image reconstruction post-image acquisition.
• Assists with performance of CT biopsies utilizing surgical sterile techniques.
• Properly identifies patient images; cases out in Vista/transfers CT images to PACS and marks as reviewed for radiologist reporting of CT study
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography. It is continually on the alert to improve the quality of exams by utilizing the latest available technologies. The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes.

• 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 identification 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.

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 Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or Mammography (M) duties performed independently as applicable. 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 modalities that require advanced certification to support their continued development technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.
• 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)

• *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record significant others and health care providers.
• *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. 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.
• Knowledge of pre-procedural procedural and post-procedural care of patients