Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Charleston, SC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Imaging Service at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is hiring Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists for the Charleston VA in Charleston, South Carolina. The technologist performs routine to complex radiographic examinations and procedures for inpatients and outpatients, independently completing assigned tasks. Equipment includes digital radiographic units, fluoroscopic units, portable X-ray equipment, and DEXA scanners.

The role includes assisting radiologists with fluoroscopic examinations and performing fluoroscopic imaging during procedures in locations such as the operating room, Pain Clinic, Cystoscopy, Bronchoscopy, and GI suite. The technologist performs routine, urgent, STAT, and emergency radiographic examinations; conducts bone densitometry examinations; prepares patients and equipment; and adjusts positioning and technical parameters to obtain high-quality images. The position is responsible for image quality, accurate documentation and transmission to PACS, radiation safety, infection control, and prompt completion of assigned workload.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with rotating holidays and on-call duties. Recruitment incentives of up to 15% may be authorized, subject to a minimum three-year service commitment and individual qualifications. Relocation assistance is not authorized. The position is not telework or virtual.

This is a permanent, full-time federal position at the GS-09 level. Applicants must meet VA requirements, including citizenship provisions, English proficiency, ARRT certification in Radiography and advanced ARRT certification in MR, and completion of qualifying diagnostic radiologic technology education or applicable grandfathering provisions. The position requires at least one year of directly related experience at the next lower grade level and demonstration of the listed clinical knowledge, skills, and abilities. Regular physical exertion is required, including standing, walking, bending, twisting, lifting, patient positioning, and moving moderately heavy objects.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by ARRT (R) and an advanced ARRT certification in MR.
• Completion of a full-time diagnostic radiologic technology training program of at least 24 months, or equivalent, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree and accredited by JRCERT or another Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency; applicable VA grandfathering provisions may qualify current VHA employees.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position, demonstrating the required clinical competencies.
• 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.
• Satisfaction of VA pre-employment conditions, including applicable drug testing, background/security investigation, onboarding, physical evaluation, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including prolonged standing, walking, or sitting; frequent bending, twisting, lifting, positioning patients, and carrying, pushing, or pulling moderately heavy objects.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine to complex radiographic examinations and procedures for inpatients and outpatients using digital radiographic, fluoroscopic, portable X-ray, and DEXA equipment.
• Assist radiologists during fluoroscopic examinations, including esophagram, UGI, SBFT, BE, VCUG, MBS, HSG, and joint injections.
• Perform fluoroscopic imaging during procedures in locations including the Operating Room, Pain Clinic, Cystoscopy, Bronchoscopy, and GI suite.
• Perform routine, urgent, STAT, inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department radiographic examinations in the imaging department or at the bedside.
• Evaluate critical and emergent procedures and reprioritize work to accommodate them.
• Perform bone densitometry examinations using a DEXA scanner; verify regions of interest, assess measurement quality, flag results requiring physician attention, and archive results.
• Adjust patient positioning, equipment, and technical parameters to obtain desired images and clearly visualize areas of interest.
• Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology to ensure accurate, high-quality examinations.
• Produce high-quality radiographs while minimizing radiation exposure and reducing costs; complete assigned workload promptly and efficiently.
• Prepare contrast materials under Radiologist or Provider direction.
• Prepare supplies for radiographic procedures using aseptic and/or sterile technique.
• Follow facility infection-control policies, including PPE use and handwashing.
• Follow radiation-safety policies and ALARA principles, using protective equipment and techniques such as lead aprons, gloves, shields, time, distance, and collimation; wear film badges as directed.
• Participate in quality-assurance activities as directed.
• Screen female Veterans of childbearing age according to policy and document appropriately.
• Identify patients using at least two identifiers, prepare and explain examinations, assist patient movement, position patients, and set up and adjust imaging equipment.
• Ensure required anatomy, anatomical markers, annotations, and image orientation are correct before transmitting images to PACS.
• Ensure all images and relevant technologist notes are present in PACS before releasing studies for radiologist interpretation; contact the PACS office promptly about discrepancies, issues, or corrections.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on qualifications or VA needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster-care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting.
• 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.
• Recruitment incentive of up to 15% may be authorized, subject to a minimum three-year service commitment and individual qualifications.

What This Job Offers

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