Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary The Richmond VA Medical Center is seeking a few Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists (DRTs) to perform a comprehensive range of radiographic examinations to support inpatient, outpatient, and Emergency Department patient care. The DRT ensures high-quality imaging, patient safety, and accurate documentation while upholding VA standards. This role requires technical proficiency, strong clinical judgment, and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment. 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 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 - Radiography (ARRT) (R) 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) Grade Determinations: GS‑5 Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements Assignment: DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision The technologist functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity Deviations from regular procedures – unanticipated problems – and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technologist for promotion to higher grades in a functional area Such duties are performed under closer supervision GS‑6 Experience or Education At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging Assignment Employees at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs – performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities In addition to the experience above – the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure

• b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning
• c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures
• d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment
• e) Ability to learn basic computer functions

GS‑7 Experience or Education At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging or successful completion of an advanced registry program – with certification – in addition to a 4‑year baccalaureate 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 Assignment DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities In addition to the experience above – the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (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

GS‑8 Experience At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level Assignments Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities In addition to the experience above – the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (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: Experience performing fluoroscopy examinations and assisting with complex fluoroscopic procedures and experience working with medical residents – supporting training environments – and communicating effectively within a teaching hospital setting Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS‑05 to GS‑08. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit Duties Performs diagnostic radiographic procedures including routine exams, portable radiography, and fluoroscopy for inpatient, outpatient, and Emergency Department patients Properly marks all images with approved anatomical lead markers prior to exposure to maintain accuracy and compliance with VA imaging standards Prioritizes patient care based on clinical severity to ensure timely imaging for urgent and emergent cases in a fast‑paced clinical setting Ensures correct patient identification and verifies all imaging orders Resolves discrepancies when patient information does not match the requested exam Accurately positions patients, selects appropriate technical factors, and adheres to ALARA principles and radiation safety guidelines Sends, verifies, and manages images in the PACS system Performs accurate case editing and ensures correct encounter association Transmits imaging studies to teleradiology services after hours for STAT interpretation to support timely clinical decision‑making Participates in on‑call duties, holiday rotations, and mandated overtime as required to support continuous departmental operations Communicates effectively with radiologists, residents, nurses, technologists, and other clinical staff to maintain efficient workflow Provides excellent customer service by assisting patients respectfully and professionally Functions as a collaborative team member and adapts to changing workload demands Knowledge of radiographic techniques, imaging equipment, PACS, electronic medical records, and teleradiology workflows Ability to prioritize tasks, respond to emergent situations, and work effectively in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary team environment Work Schedule: Various work schedules available (examples: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. M–F; 1:30 p.m.–midnight T/H/Sa/Su; 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. with rotating on‑call and holidays) Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr Asct