Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography

Veterans Health Administration • Fort Meade, SD

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This full-time Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist position specializes in computed tomography (CT), requiring knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and its application to spiral and/or multi-slice CT, including 3-D reconstruction. The technologist independently operates CT scanners, coordinates and prioritizes examinations while accommodating emergency cases, assesses patients and explains procedures, and works with radiologists or licensed independent providers to determine protocols and administer ordered contrast agents. The role also includes diagnostic radiology work in the department and at the bedside, including general X-ray, fluoroscopy, bone density, portable X-ray, and C-arm examinations.

The technologist monitors patients for contraindications and possible adverse reactions, maintains skills in IV catheter insertion and contrast injection, and performs requested image reconstructions. The position requires knowledge of radiographic equipment and digital image quality, and the ability to transfer images and related information through PACS for interpretation. The schedule is full-time and includes on-call duty; the tour of duty will be discussed during the interview. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program subject to program eligibility, application, and approval.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except where appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Completion of a post-high-school diagnostic radiologic technology program of at least 24 months or equivalent, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree and accredited by JRCERT or another accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by ARRT in Radiography (R), with advanced ARRT certification for CT assignments; ARRT R CT is required for the grade determination.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to GS-9, directly related to the position, demonstrating the stated clinical competencies.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Ability to balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from medical records, significant others, and health care providers.
• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate a procedure.
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
• Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques, and universal precautions.
• Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural patient care.
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices, and techniques, including accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
• Ability to use advanced imaging software supporting complex imaging programs, recognize equipment or procedure changes that could increase exposure, and recommend ways to prevent such exposures.
• Knowledge of basic physics, including energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and X-ray properties, to understand equipment operation.
• Knowledge and skill in positioning patients for highly complex imaging studies.
• Submit a transcript with the application; foreign education used to meet qualifications must be accompanied by a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
• Meet applicable employment conditions, including drug testing for tentatively selected applicants in testing-designated positions, background/security investigation, onboarding and identification requirements, seasonal influenza vaccination, and a 1- or 2-year trial period.
• Complete all application requirements by the announcement close date of 11/02/2026.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience in CT and X-ray.

Responsibilities

• Independently operate CT scanners and coordinate examinations to optimize scanner time while accommodating emergency cases.
• Prioritize scheduled patients and accommodate emergency patients.
• Confirm patient identity using the patient's name and Social Security number.
• Explain examination procedures and potential hazards to patients in a way they can understand.
• When required, monitor patient breathing and pulse, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Assess patients for contraindications to procedures, including reduced eGFR for IV contrast examinations and contrast allergies; complete the Patient Assessment form.
• Access and review patient clinical records, diagnoses, and laboratory results in CPRS.
• Consult radiologists to determine protocols for non-standard examinations; determine technical factors, positioning, and scan number and thickness.
• Perform CT reconstructions when requested or required by standard procedure.
• Prepare, label, and administer contrast agents under the direction of a radiologist or licensed independent provider and according to signed orders.
• Maintain competency in inserting appropriate IV catheters and using automated or manual injection techniques according to signed contrast orders.
• Monitor patients for contrast-related adverse reactions and respond to adverse reactions requiring immediate attention.
• Perform general X-ray, general fluoroscopy, and bone density examinations in the department, and portable X-ray and C-arm examinations at the bedside, under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers.
• Operate ionizing diagnostic imaging equipment.
• Transfer images and pertinent data through PACS for radiologist interpretation and diagnosis.
• Assess digital image technical adequacy and adjust image quality in the digital system.
• Maintain the quality and quantity of radiographic examinations to ensure radiographs meet an acceptable standard.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with an award amount up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for qualifying prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree