Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) Job in Salem, VA

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

DUTIES:

• Performs radiographic exams in the department (general x-ray, general fluoroscopy, or bedside (portable x-ray) under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. Has adequate knowledge to operate all ionizing equipment.
• Properly identifies patient by confirming patient name and social security number. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur.
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by using the ALARA principals, lead aprons, lead gloves, lead eye protection, lead shields, lead-lined walls, collimation and proper positioning.
• Film badges are worn and exchanged in a timely manner. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Knowledgeable of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques including concepts of accumulated dosage and genetic changes.
• Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs
• Interprets and follows the requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinician. Discusses any case that deviates from normal protocol set by the radiologist.
• Skill to recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor and equipment specialist.
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power and properties of x-ray in order to understand the operation of equipment.
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of radiographic studies in Diagnostic Radiology, Computed Tomography and Interventional Radiology
• Verifies correct patient using two patient identifiers, correct exam and correct side. Uses left and right markers as appropriate during diagnostic x-ray exams.
• Performs quality control of the images produced, assessing for proper exposure, positioning and annotation. Applies post-processing techniques such as window leveling, edge enhancement, brightness and annotation corrections as necessary before routing images to workstation and/or PACS.
• Prepares and administers contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist (oral, rectal, intravenous). Provides patient education and obtains appropriate consent for administration of contrast media. Establishes IV access and administers IV contrast. Observes patient for signs and symptoms of adverse contrast reaction and initiates the appropriate response for varying levels of severity and if necessary, cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Maintains adequate supplies and contrast materials used in the department. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies, notifying supervisor when supplies are not available and monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance. Coordinates with Pharmacy, Logistics, and vendor representatives to ensure medications, contrast and supplies/implants are available for case load. Enters implant information into prosthetics log and alerts Supervisor of usage so Prosthetics consult can be placed for implant to be reordered
• Pursues continuing education activities to stay current in techniques and maintain competency. Disseminates information of general interest. Annually participates with Image Wisely, a National joint initiative pledge of multiple imaging societies to raise awareness and promote radiation protection in adult medical imaging

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.
• 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 dentification 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.

• 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

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 10/22/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12811157.

1. 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.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

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.