Duties
Incumbent provides radiological technologist services in the area of imaging, fluoroscopic and radiographic examinations to facilitate delivery of healthcare services by the radiologist.Other duties include but are not limited to:
- Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the supervision of the Supervisor Technologist, the direction of the Chief of Radiology Service or a radiologist.
- Operates radiology equipment as a part of the diagnostic plan for patients.
- Supports radiologist or other medical officers to produce radiographic studies used to diagnose medical conditions.
- Receives requests or instructions for procedures. Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers.
- Performs as technologist in charge of less demanding hospital setting. Receives assignments for a variety of simple to difficult examinations.
- Independently or with minimal supervision carries out the requests made by physicians.
- Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedure.
- Explains procedure, positions patient for desired result and shields patient as appropriate.
- Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patient's medical conditions. Independently explains procedures and positions patient for difficult procedures.
- May administer contrast material orally, by enema or, in some circumstances, intravenously under the supervision of a physician or radiologist when needed. Determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovolt age and milliamperage).
- Sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified, receives the correct calculated exposure.
- Adjusts technical factors for difficult radiographic examinations.
- Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures.
- Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of all parts of the human anatomy for diagnosis of illness or injury.
- Performs image processing duties and maintains supplies.
- As a team member with a radiologist, performs procedures such as cholecystograms, cholangiograms, pyelography, urethrograms, Upper GI Series, barium and air contrast barium enemas.
- Assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast material, catheters and other required equipment is present and readily available.
- Performs file room duties as required.
- Schedules patients for examinations when required.
- Maintains log of patients and procedure used.
- Prepares imaging jacket for patient when hard copy material is required.
- Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the Supervisor Technologist or radiologist adoption of those, which would improve the operations of the radiology section.
- Cleans and sterilizes equipment and area after use.
- Performs routine maintenance, recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to ensure repair.
- Cleans, makes minor repairs and adjustments to x-ray equipment, accessories and automatic image processing equipment.
- Process exposed radiographs and prepares film plate processing equipment.
- Produces images with use of dry laser printer when required to obtain hard copy film and ensures all image data is in permanent vista storage and correctly associated to proper patient.
The employee is responsible for (1) protecting that data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration or unauthorized deletion and (2) following applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release or access codes, etc., as set out in a computer access agreement which the employee signs.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30PM.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Functional Statement #: PD51291A
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
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.
- 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.]
- 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 ORT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(8). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a ORT that provides care under the supervision of a certified ORT 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.
- 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).]
- English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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:
- 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.
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:
- 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.
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:
- 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.
Preferred Experience: One year prior experience.
References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25
The full performance level of this vacancy is 8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 5 to 8.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Benefits
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.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this
checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/19/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12680955.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account,
https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.