Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Award amounts (up to $200,000) and eligibility periods (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the EDRP application. 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. 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) Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months 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) English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria) Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level – directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level Knowledge – Skills – and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment‑specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): * 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 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 Preferred Experience: The applicant must be an ARRT‑certified DRT with additional certification in CT. Ideally, they should have at least 3 years of experience. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required for this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre‑placement examination. A pre‑placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government‑owned or‑leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties, or by virtue of another policy, regulation, or statute. Duties Determine technical factors—positioning, number and thickness of scans—to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning Advise radiologists or referring physicians of examination results and notify them of scans requiring immediate attention Use commercial PACS to correctly send patient information and images to an outside teleradiology contractor, and correct minor problems as they arise Prepare contrast materials used in CT and other exams, ensuring thorough understanding of contrast material usage to prevent risk to patients Maintain continuous alert to patient condition and provide immediate attention to reactions that require prompt management Initiate IVs for contrast administration and complete mandatory training for IV contrast procedures Practice radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self using lead aprons, gloves, shields, lined walls, collimation, and compliance with radiation regulations Perform reconstructions of CT studies when requested or as part of standard procedures Maintain accurate records and files of exams, including registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system Identify patient images correctly to avoid misidentification, confirming patient identity verbally by name and social security number Explain exams and obtain informed consent from patients, outlining possible hazards Continuously review new developments in the field of CT and use technologies to improve exam quality Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Functional Statement #: 0647 GS‑9 – Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Authorized Benefits and Incentives Competitive salary with potential for higher step rate based on qualifications or unique needs Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time per year (13‑26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military experience Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement 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 eligible costs (monthly maximum of $416.66) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution Health and Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care, with many programs extendable into retirement Recruitment Incentive: Sign‑on bonus and relocation assistance for eligible candidates (EDRP participants ineligible for incentive) Telework: Not available; position is not virtual #J-18808-Ljbffr