Duties
VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf
- Performs a variety of difficult and routine radiographic examinations for the diagnosis of illness or injuries in accident victims. It is expected that they receive some guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues and may require indirect supervision in any assignment area of general radiologic technology Receives patients, explains procedures, positions patients, selects technical factors, and makes exposures. Review and process images for quality and prepares them for interpretation. In addition, as needed, sets up and operates accessory equipment required for special examinations.
- As a team member with a radiologist, performs highly technical procedures such as cholangiography, urethrograms, G.I. series, Modified Barium Swallow, barium and air contrast Barium Enemas, Arthrograms and Myelograms. Sets up the x-ray room and assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out.
- Obtains the patient's consent using iMed and performs a procedure Time Out for all invasive procedures. The Time Out is performed with the procedure team in the room by checking the patient's armband, request forms, and marking the body part of concern on applicable exams (arthrograms, joint injections, joint aspirations, etc.) to ensure it is the correct patient and procedure.
- Monitors patient's condition and vital signs when necessary and notifies the radiologist of any significant changes. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
- Prepares contrast materials used in diagnostic imaging exams performed in the general Radiology department. 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. In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. The radiologist will immediately be notified when a patient has a contrast reaction and will evaluate the patient. The technologist will document the contrast reaction in CPRS and will also document it in Vista under complications when registering the patient.
- Performs radiographic examinations at the patient's bedside utilizing all means available to limit the x-ray beam to the immediate area being examined.
- As a team member in the operating room, works with the surgical staff to obtain the view and images needed for hardware placement or removal, positioning of fractures, removing stones and location missing surgical items. Operates equipment around and over sterile fields without compromising or contaminating the sterile areas.
- Must explain the exams to patients or family member so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, is possible.
- Properly identifies patient by using two forms of identification, ensures images are correctly marked with the patient's pertinent information, and that left and right markers are used and used correctly. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient and their images does not occur. The radiographer must be certain the patient ID band and the request are identical.
- Registers patients into the computerized Radiology Information System.
- Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self.
- Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor.
- The technologist captures computerized and digital radiographs, applies an algorithm, configures the image, and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. This procedure requires the technologist to have extensive knowledge of computer operations. Image manipulation and transmission is critical in computerized radiography, lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the radiograph.
- The incumbent will also participate in on-call or standby to provide 24 hours, 7 days a week service coverage; and will also participate in the departmental in-service program.
Work Schedule: Varying shifts, weekends and holidays
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Michael.Campbell6@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Learn more
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 56852-A, 56853-A, 56854-A, 56855-A
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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.
- 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
**This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 17 ,2025. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 01/03/2025. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.**
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: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
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), 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).
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: ARRT Certification.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
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:
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
- License
- Other (1)
- Other (2)
- Other (3)
- Professional Certification
- 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 06/17/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12646135.
- 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.