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.
- 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)
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).
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: DRT (Radiologic Technologist) performs a variety of fixed, fluoroscopic, and portable radiographs according to department and DRT quality standards. The technologist will perform examinations the level that was determined according to DRT Quality Standards. This position requires providing care/service to a critically ill through rehabilitating patient, adult through geriatric population, in a manner that demonstrates an
understanding of the functional/developmental age of the individual served. The incumbent is also a trained professional who performs procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and
procedures are to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized and digital radiography (CR/DR), and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS). Position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the Mission of VA Long Beach Healthcare System. It is expected that the employee will demonstrate behavior consistent with the Core Values. The employee shall support the VA Long Beach Healthcare System's strategic plan and the goals and direction of the Performance Improvement Plan.
References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST. December 13, 2019.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8.
Physical Requirements: Physical demands are usually moderate: Lifting objects up to 40 pounds, moving specialized equipment and assisting patients from gurney to a procedure or scan table. Occasionally, the technician assists with the moving of heavy equipment or large patients, but this done with the assistance of others to minimize the danger to individual.