Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will perform procedures and examinations within VA Maryland Health Care Systems (VAMHCS) located in Baltimore - MD. The incumbent must be knowledgeable in Digital Radiography (DR) and Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS). Qualifications 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 examination [In 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).] 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) Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-8 Experience At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-7) level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study (c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards - minimum radiographic exposure techniques - appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area - and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures (d) Knowledge of computed radiography - CR readers and Digital Imaging systems (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-8 Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed (e) Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross‑sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest Preferred Experience: None Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 Duties VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties: Receives requests or instructions for procedures Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers Performs as technologist in charge on less demanding shifts or in a detached clinic Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians Determines technical factors - sets controls and operates equipment Performs QC duties and maintains standards suggested by the manufacturer and maintain supplies Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head - trunk - and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries Operates digital radiography - both fixed and portable - in Imaging service and in operating room Determines the technical factors (i.e. - calculates the correct exposure factors of time - distance - kilovoltage - and milliamperages) - sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure Selects and sets technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures Ensures ALARA principle is applied (As low as reasonably achievable) Shields all patients when required Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 10am-6:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade) Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 512-260322-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr