Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - General Radiology

Veterans Health Administration • Golden, CO

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs routine and standardized radiographic examinations under general supervision from senior technologists. The technologist operates commonly used equipment and carries out routine to moderately complex procedures with some independence, with assistance from senior technologists as needed. The position is assigned to the Golden VA CBOC and may require various tours and on-call availability.

The technologist performs general radiology examinations and independently conducts special or more complex procedures, including long bone surveys and scoliosis studies. Duties also include determining technical factors and positioning, reviewing medical histories, explaining procedures to patients, documenting pertinent information, and ensuring images and anatomical markers are correctly identified and routed for interpretation. The role uses VA clinical and imaging applications, follows radiation-safety and privacy requirements, maintains and troubleshoots imaging equipment and systems, supports image distribution, and helps maintain department supplies, security, and cleanliness. The technologist may assist with radiology student precepting and sign off on completed examinations.

The position is a permanent federal role. The full-performance level is GS-8; selection may be at GS-5 through GS-8. The work is scheduled Monday through Friday, with specific hours determined upon selection. Telework is unavailable, and the position is not virtual.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Radiography (ARRT (R)).
• Completion of a full-time diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months, or equivalent, in a post-high-school program accredited by JRCERT or another Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency; evidenced by a certificate or associate degree.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Meet the grade-specific experience, education, and knowledge, skills, and abilities requirements for the selected GS grade. GS-5 requires no experience or education beyond the basic requirements; GS-6 requires one year at the next lower grade or one full academic year of relevant graduate education; GS-7 requires one year at the next lower grade, one full academic year of relevant graduate education, or an advanced registry program with certification in addition to a relevant four-year bachelor's program; GS-8 requires one year at the next lower grade.
• Maintain required certification; failure to obtain certification within two years or maintain it may result in removal from the occupation and possible termination.
• Meet physical demands including heavy lifting of 45 pounds or more, moderate carrying of 15–44 pounds, reaching above the shoulder, prolonged walking and standing, repeated bending, dexterity in both hands, and working while wearing a lead apron for potentially long periods.
• Complete required background/security investigation, onboarding, and pre-employment drug testing if selected for a testing-designated position; participation in seasonal influenza vaccination is required for VA health care personnel.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

• At least two years of general radiology experience.
• ARRT (R) certification (also listed as a basic requirement).

Responsibilities

• Perform routine diagnostic radiographic examinations of the head, cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, abdomen, and extremities.
• Independently perform special and more complex procedures, including long bone surveys and scoliosis studies.
• Consult radiologists about non-standard examinations; determine technical factors and positioning and set equipment to produce quality images.
• Perform examinations using standard protocols and review patient medical histories to ensure appropriate exams are conducted.
• Explain examinations and procedures to patients in an understandable manner and record pertinent information to assist radiologist dictation.
• Correctly identify patient images and anatomical markers and ensure images sent to PACS have the correct accession number.
• Register, request, cancel, and edit examinations using computer programs including VISTA, VISTA Imaging, and CPRS.
• Follow ALARA radiation-safety principles, screen patients ages 12–55 who may be pregnant, and wear film badges properly.
• Use radiographic equipment appropriately to obtain high-quality images; inspect equipment, perform daily warm-up procedures, and conduct quality-control tests.
• Troubleshoot equipment and system problems, report them to supervisors or the appropriate support authority, and liaise with other services as needed.
• Perform advanced PACS procedures to ensure proper image storage and dissemination to patients, providers, and other facilities.
• Follow Release of Information and HIPAA requirements when burning exams to CDs or sending images through approved electronic image-sharing platforms; label mailers appropriately.
• Maintain department security, including securing doors when applicable and protecting patient information.
• Maintain adequate supplies to prevent examination delays.
• Assist with radiology student preceptor duties and sign off on completed exams.
• Maintain exposure-room housekeeping, remove clutter, store equipment components properly, and clean using approved products and guidelines.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, consisting of 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a child care subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility rules.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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