Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist is a designated radiology technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations and fluoroscopic x-ray procedures for the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS). Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will perform exams with and without the use of contrast materials and the purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. Responsibilities Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties may include but not limited to: a) Performs standard radiographic examinations of the head, trunk and extremities for diagnoses of illness and injuries with minimal to no assistance. Receives patients and explains examinations to be performed, ensuring patients are properly attired and prepared before positioning patient for requested examination. Performs procedures as defined by the equipment and scope of services, possibly including Gastrointestinal (GI) and small bowel series, cholecystograms, cholangiograms, urethorograms, barium and air contrast enemas, myelograms, arthrograms, venograms, Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Scans, and contrast injections as it correlates to exam. Correlates clinical history, pertinent clinical data and other ancillary diagnostic examinations to obtain radiographic images of optimal value. b) Able to assist radiologists in fluoroscopic examinations which require incumbent to prepare and administer intravenous, oral, and/or rectal contrast media. c) Assists in training employees and student technologists, coordinates radiation safety, receives patients and explains procedures, prepares x-ray room and equipment; performs portables, operating room (OR) procedures, emergency room (Triage), and recovery room. d) Maintains records of patients examined, and studies performed in the Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology (VistA) hospital information system and Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). e) Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate these more urgent requirements. f) Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. g) Properly identifies patient images using left and right markers. h) Performs operator maintenance on equipment as required. i) Responsible to the radiologists and supervisors for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to ensure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. j) Performs quality control/assurance checks on studies performed to ensure that only optimally diagnostic images are forwarded to the radiologist(s) for interpretation. k) Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. l) The technologist is responsible for performing call duties to include after-hour tours, weekends, and holidays m) Is familiar with Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), providing adequate and proper radiographs. n) Performs clerical duties to include, but not limited to, registering patients' examinations in VISTA, as well as file room duties such as making Computer Disks (CD's) for patients as requested and sending exams to National Teleradiology Program (NTP). o) The incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees. p) Maintains current knowledge of the developments in the field of allied health sciences as related to Radiologic technology and maintains current ARRT registration. Work Schedule: Saturday-Sunday 8:00a.m. to 4:30p.m., Monday-Wednesday 1:30p.m. to 10:00p.m. or Sunday-Thursday, 3:30p.m. to Midnight or Monday-Friday 1:30p.m. to 10:00p.m.; based on the needs of the service Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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 #: 54514-F/54513-F/54512-F/54511-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements 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, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Pre-Employment/Post-Employment Physical Examination: May be required, depending on the needs of the organization 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. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: 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. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications 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 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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] 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. Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Grandfathering Provision. 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). Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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 Technician], GS-5 [ ] Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], 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. 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. [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], 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. 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. [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], 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. 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: -1 to 2 Years of clinical experience in a fast-paced or acute-care hospital setting -Any prior history working nights, weekends, and holidays -1 Year hospital or trauma center experience: handling emergencies, portable X-rays, and intensive care units (ICU)s Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Accreditation Information: 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. Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) Accredited Educational Programs (jrcertaccreditation.org) or other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) DAPIP | Homepage (ed.gov). Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. Note: If your school was accredited by Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the Accredited Educational Programs (jrcertaccreditation.org) website or Department of Education (DOE) DAPIP | Homepage (ed.gov) website you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: Additional Information Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.