Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

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VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist :

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Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, general diagnostic units, mobile x-ray units and mobile c-arm units. The incumbent will also assist with pain management

procedures.

Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and / or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues.

Functions :

a. Prepares and administers contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as cystogram, cholangiogram, and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract.

b. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. The technicians assure compliance to radiation regulations wearing film badges.

c. Performs direct digital radiography procedures. Operating digitizers in order to provide adequate and proper radiographic images.

d. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface.

e. Properly identifies the patient and the image. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur.

f. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done and what the risks are.

g. Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic xrays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures.

h. Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Incumbent must report equipment malfunctions in a timely manner to the supervisor.

i. Participates in quality assurance and improvement activities in the department. He / she performs regular QA assessments on equipment to assure the highest quality level of exams and maintenance of top performance from the machines.

j. Responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance as stipulated by agencies such as JCAHO, IG, VHA, and local VA facility, as well as department policies.

k. Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work alone during the off shifts or when necessary.

l. Participates in "on-call" for General Radiology Procedures as assigned. This involves coming in to work to replace the scheduled staff technologist when they call in or when short staff. This requires the technician to verbally respond within 15 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective care can be given to the patient. "On call" will be performed on a rotational basis

m. Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule : Days

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 VISN10HRCCOE@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions / assistance. Learn more

Pay : Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off : 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave : After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy : After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 .

Retirement : Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance : Federal health / vision / dental / term life / long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework : Not available

Virtual : This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement # : 92732-0, 92733-0, 92734-0, 92735-0

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not authorized

Requirements

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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 (). 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.
• 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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

(a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.

(b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.

(c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.

(d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.

(e) 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 :

(a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.

(b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.

(c) 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.

(d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.

(e) 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 :

(a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.

(b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.

(c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.

(d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.

(e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.

(f) 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

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 : This position requires Heavy Lifting, 45 pounds & over; heavy carrying, 45 pounds & over; straight pulling (4 hours); pushing (4 hours); use of fingers; both hands required; walking & standing 8-12 hours; repeated bending 8 hours; both legs required; ability for rapid mental & muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable @ 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20 / 20 and to 20 / 40 in the other; depth perception; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aide permitted). Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative / invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift

priorities based on patient needs.

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 : 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 :

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave : Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration / Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA / OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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