Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Clarification from the agency

Open to Current Permanent VA/Federal Employees Only: Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: 1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility. 2. All other VA employees. 3. Current permanent federal employees of other agencies. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Major Duties: The objective of these exams and procedures is to produce radiographic studies which are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by Radiologists to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions or lesions within the body so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be obtained.

• Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality. This includes but not limited to: Fluoroscopic and General Diagnostic exams, Portable Radiography, Portable Fluoroscopy, Operating Room and all other duties assigned.
• Works under the supervision of the Section Supervisor and Lead Technologist and rotates all responsibilities within the General Radiology section.
• Works independently on most exams, but confers with Radiologists and Section Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist on more difficult examination.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical disease.
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it.
• Must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self.
• Must be aware of safety policies and procedures of the Medical Center, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Adheres to Radiation Safety guidelines, properly determines applying technical factors to ensure ALARA does optimization, positioning, required views, etc. to produce and satisfy requirements for diagnostic imaging.
• Records all doses of radiation for fluoroscopy and portable fluoroscopy exams by generating and sending the does summary report from the fluoroscopy equipment.
• Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS.
• Reviews the radiology order screening information for accuracy, noting and researching all questionable information prior to contacting the patient or performing the exam.
• Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent and routine exams.
• Performs radiology procedures/exams utilizing sterile techniques.
• Properly operates all electrical and mechanical equipment, is cognizant of basic safety practices related to the use of the assigned equipment.
• Properly identifies patient scan by using the HIS/RIS patient identification list, R& L markers, timelines for any timed examinations, patient position and all other identifying markers for that image.

Work Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 11:30am - 8:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:30am to 6:00pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 70529F, 70530F, 72117F, & 70425F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). 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).
• 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.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written & spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d), and 7407 (d).
• 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).
• Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).

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

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

GS-5 Experience or Education:: None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-6 Experience or Education: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-5 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.

GS-6 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA:

• 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.

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.

GS-7 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 or fluoroscopic procedures.
• Knowledge of the function of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
• Knowledge of PACS, and basic computer skills.

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.

GS-8 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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

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: The physical demands of the work include Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; the ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work long periods.

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.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Certificate in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

SF-50: All VA/Federal employees must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (that is not an award SF-50) that shows you're a current, permanent VA/Federal employee. You may get your SF-50 directly from your eOPF. VA employees may go to:https://eopf.opm.gov/va/. Other Federal employees must contact your current HR Office for assistance assessing your eOPF/personnel folder.

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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
• Certificate in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)
• Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Next steps