Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) is required to provide services in specialized and complex areas of radiologic technology and/or general diagnostic radiology services. Performs general diagnostic radiography to include, but not limited to, diagnostic x-rays of all body regions, bone-length examinations, bone surveys, general fluoroscopic examinations both in an outpatient clinic setting and in the operating room environment (C-Arm and portables).

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Duties

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Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

DRTs at the Full-Performance Level:

• Properly identifies the patient and associated images to prevent mistaken identity.
• Responsible for assisting patients with safe transfers to and from the examination table, utilizing department-approved mobility equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, and Hoyer lifts, while adhering to all facility and departmental safety protocols.
• Adheres to all VA and departmental policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure compliance with established guidelines and maintain the highest standards of patient care and operational integrity
• Performs general diagnostic radiography to include, but not limited to, diagnostic X-rays of all body regions, bone-length examinations, bone surveys, and general fluoroscopic examinations in an outpatient clinic setting and in the operating room environment (C-Arm).
• Ensures patients are properly prepped for each examination, including confirming NPO status when required.
• Provides clear and accurate instructions to patients throughout the procedure to promote safety and optimal imaging results. Maintains continuous awareness of the patient's condition, promptly recognizing and responding to any complications or adverse reactions to prevent harm to the patient or equipment.
• Conducts patient interviews, reviews medical history, and verifies that the exam order aligns with the clinical indication; clearly explains the purpose of the study and provides instructions to ensure patient understanding and cooperation; and communicates all relevant history and significant findings to the interpreting radiologist for accurate diagnostic correlation.
• Possesses thorough knowledge of radiographic equipment due to the variety of examinations and contingency planning. Must be able to operate C-Arms, portable X-ray units, digital radiography systems, computerized radiography systems, and digital fluoroscopy units.
• Adheres to Radiation Safety guidelines, properly determines applying technical factors to ensure ALARA dose optimization, positioning, required views, etc. to produce and satisfy requirements for diagnostic imaging.
• Troubleshoot equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and performs minor adjustments. Exercises extreme caution in handling and safeguarding all radiation-producing equipment. Recognizes and reports major equipment malfunctions promptly to the Supervisor or Biomedical Service representative.
• Interprets requests or instructions from radiologists or clinicians, receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations, and works independently. Follows departmental policies and procedures and seeks clarification from the radiologist or supervisor when uncommon or unique procedures are required.
• Ensures all images are clear and meet diagnostic quality standards.
• Maintains accurate documentation by tracking, editing, and updating daily logs within the radiographic modality, including manual entry of repeated images when necessary to ensure quality assurance compliance. Ensures timely and successful transmission of images to PACS for radiologist interpretation immediately upon completion of the study.
• Responsible for ensuring all radiological equipment is clean and sanitary, and for maintaining adequate stock of supplies, including linens, in assigned rooms.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 7:45 am to 4:30 pm

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

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 #: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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), and7407(d).

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Please see the Additional Information Section of this announcement for details.

Preferred Experience:

• Creditable experience as a general radiographer and complex fluoroscopic examinations.
• Experience in an operating room setting
• Two or more years stand-alone setting/clinic

Grade Determinations:

GS-05:

None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-06:

Experience. 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.

GS-07:

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.

GS-08:

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.

Reference can be found at the VA Qualification Repository, VA Qualifications Standards - Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO), GS-0647 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist VA Qualification Standard, Dated 12/13/2019.

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.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts are not required, however, failure to provide transcript may result in non-referral of your application if your education cannot be verified.

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, 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). Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from:Find a Program - JRCERTDepartment of Education (DOE) Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from: DAPIP | Homepage (ed.gov)

NOTE: If your school was 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), at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the JRCERT: Find a Program - JRCERT or 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: 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:

Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

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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