Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Birmingham, AL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist works in Imaging Services and is qualified to independently provide services in specialized and/or general radiologic technology, with only occasional oversight for highly complex issues. The technologist provides patient care to veterans and is responsible for the quality and quantity of radiographic examinations while minimizing patient radiation exposure. The position includes technical emergency coverage after normal duty hours for the Diagnostic Radiology section. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with rotating weekends and holidays; schedules may change based on agency needs. Telework is not available, and this is not a virtual position.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility and application requirements. EDRP approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined after review of the application. A recruitment incentive and relocation assistance are not authorized. The position is permanent and is at the GS-8 full-performance and selection level.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except where appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Current certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required when independently assigned CT, MRI, or mammography duties, as applicable.
• Completion of a full-time diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months (or equivalent) after high school, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree, from a JRCERT-accredited program or another accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, demonstrating the required clinical competencies.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Ability to check equipment operation and assess performance against established guidelines.
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and ability to make adjustments as needed.
• Knowledge of the patient’s clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
• Ability to monitor patient physiological changes during procedures and keep the radiologist informed.
• Tact, diplomacy, and courtesy when dealing with patients, staff, families, visitors, volunteers, and other customers.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy; ability to recognize unusual images and determine appropriate positioning.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination and, if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, pre-employment urinalysis screening.
• Meet background and security investigation requirements and complete online onboarding and application documentation.
• Comply with the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Submit a transcript with the application; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency when used to meet qualification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist radiologists with less complex fluoroscopic examinations.
• Prepare contrast materials under the radiologist’s direction for examinations involving injectable solutions and oral or rectal gastrointestinal studies.
• Ensure the quality and quantity of radiographic examinations and images while minimizing patient dosage.
• Follow radiation-safety practices, including use of protective equipment, collimation, and ALARA principles, to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self.
• Maintain records and files of patient examinations.
• Edit and, when necessary, register patients in the Radiology Information System and the work-list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface.
• Verify patient and image identification and use left and right markers.
• Explain examinations to competent patients, including what will be done and any possible hazards.
• Perform bedside and operating-room radiographic examinations for patients unable to be imaged in the Radiology Service or who are in a surgical setting.
• Keep assigned areas clean and adequately stocked.
• Provide technical emergency coverage after normal duty hours for Diagnostic Radiology.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, comprising 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Eligible employees may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster-care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other conditions; subsidy may cover up to 25% of eligible costs, up to $416.66 per month.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k), with VA contributions of up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Education Debt Reduction Program student-loan reimbursement, subject to eligibility and program approval, with an award of up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years.

What This Job Offers

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