Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary

The Cincinnati OH VA Medical Center is seeking a well-qualified candidate for the position of Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) within our Cincinnati VA Medical Center Facility. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) is responsible for working independently without supervision. The individual will perform a wide variety of routine to moderately complex diagnostic radiology examinations.

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Duties

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Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Receives patients, explains methods of procedures, position patient and makes exposures necessary for the requested examination.
• Independently makes standard examinations. Confers with Radiologists to established requirements of nonstandard examinations, determines technical factors and properly positions patients.
• Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate them.
• The DRT will independently operate Diagnostic Imaging equipment. This individual will also help to develop new techniques, define optimal protocols, and devise alternative ways to visualize pathology within the patient. Perform examinations on patients according to protocols and parameters set forth by department or procedures by a radiologist.
• The DRT performs a wide variety of complex radiologic examinations of patients to aid in the diagnosis of disease or injury.
• The incumbent follows mandated HIPPA guidelines. Follows guidelines for properly registering and editing examinations.
• The individual properly sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. These procedures take place in a variety of different locations and forms. Such as the CR system, DR Systems, Fluoroscopy, Portables, GI Lab, Cystography Lab and Operating Rooms per established checklist. Responsible for completion of examination by transmitting images to the PACS immediately after procedure is finished.
• Determines radiographic technique exposure factors and effectively plans the table before and during exposure.
• Performs and assists practitioner with fluoroscopic and specialized procedures
• Participates in physiologic monitoring of patients.
• Post processes digital data for display or hard copy records, insuring proper identification and consent.

Work Schedule : Monday- Friday 10:am -6:30pm, On Call, and Rotating Weekends

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

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)

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.

Position Title/Functional Statement # : Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist PD928250

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Requirements

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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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• 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

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.
• . 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
• Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.
• Creditable Experience To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or nonpaid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT.
• Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• Grandfathering Provision . All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
• English Language Proficiency . DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• Physical Requirements . See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.

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

Grade Determinations : In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates

Grade Determinations for Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-5

Experience or Education - You must have one of the following:

None beyond the basic requirements DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision. The technician 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 technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area. Such duties are performed under closer supervision.

Grade Determinations for Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-6

Experience or Education - You must have one of the following:

• At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level; OR
• 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.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
• Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
• Ability to learn basic computer functions.

Grade Determinations for Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-7

Experience or Education - You must have one of the following:

• At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; OR
• 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.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
• 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.
• Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
• Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

Grade Determinations for Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-8

Experience - You must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
• Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

Education

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:

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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