Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-General Radiology

Clarification from the agency

The Public - Open to ALL US Citizens, including ALL Current Permanent Federal Employees, Current Permanent Department of Veterans Affairs (Agency - VHA, VBA, NCA) Employees; and Current Permanent VA Healthcare System (Malcom Randall VAMC) Employees. Facility Employees will have FIRST consideration, followed by Agency Employees, Federal Employees, and then US Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

The technologist will perform technical work in support of Diagnostic Imaging under the direction of a physician. Operates all radiology equipment both mobile and fixed, and assists the radiologist in fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. The technologist works closely with radiology students, mentoring and providing guidance with examinations during all aspects of their clinical rotations. The position is located in Malcom Randall VA Medical Center but occasionally the technologist may have to travel to other imaging clinics within NF/SG Diagnostic Imaging Services to perform General Radiology duties.

Duties and responsibilities include but not limited to:

• The technologist interprets requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinicians and will independently make routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries.
• The technologist accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain high quality images.
• Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent and routine exams.
• The technologist is familiar with VISTA, CPRS and can accurately and routinely look up pertinent patient information that relates to patient examinations; including labs, radiology orders/consults, physician notes, allergies and radiology reports.
• May be required to perform clerical, scheduling and file room duties as they relate to patient care within the section as assigned.
• Maintains supplies and cleanliness in assigned work area in accordance with infection control and EMS standards. The technologist will refer to the Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) manual for equipment reference for proper cleaning practices.
• During a computer system downtime the technologist will execute the contingency policy by manually entering all patient information into the workstations as well as the MRI screening form copies to go to medical records to be scanned into CPRS.
• The technologist works closely with radiology students, teaching proper patient positioning, technical factors, and functionality of equipment, shielding, marker placement, and customer service skills.
• Travel may be required within NF/SG Diagnostic Imaging Service for training purposes or help with technologist shortages either on a volunteer basis or a rotation among all General Radiology technologists.
• The Technologist will receive the patient and in a private setting, will positively identify each patient by asking for two (2) forms of identification.
• Technologist will be monitored to ensure they practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self.
• The employee ensures that the relationships with management, co-workers, students, patients and others within the organization are consistently courteous, respectful, cooperative in nature, and overall contributes positively to the effective operations of Diagnostic Imaging. Customer Service is provided in accordance with I.C.A.R.E. standards.
• The technologist will perform team leader and Quality Assurance duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Multiple shifts including (1) Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:30pm and (2) Tuesday through Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm and Saturday 7:30am - 4:00pm
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 51122F, 50583F, 51128F, 51123F
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact VHAV08NFLCCOE@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

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.
• 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:

Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)

English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).
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).

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).

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.

Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard (12/13/2019) 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. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:


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

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.

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 work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending, lifting, and carrying of light items such as CR film cassettes. There is occasional moderate exertion such as lifting multi-exposure film cassettes or assisting other technicians in lifting and positioning patients. Heavy lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees.

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:

• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)
• Resume

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
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Resume/CV for Title 38 & Hybrid Title 38 Applications that may exceed two (2) pages. (Please be sure to include full-time and/or part-time hours for each history of employment listed on your resume)
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' preference does not apply for this announcement while the occupation meets the VA occupational shortage list.

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