Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General Radiology)

Veterans Health Administration • Jacksonville, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist provides comprehensive general diagnostic radiology services at Jacksonville VA Clinic 1 under a physician’s direction. The role operates fixed and mobile radiographic equipment, performs diagnostic imaging examinations, and assists radiologists with fluoroscopic procedures to support diagnosis and patient care. The technologist also mentors radiology students, providing instruction and hands-on support during clinical rotations. Occasional travel to other imaging clinics within the North Florida/South Georgia Diagnostic Imaging Service may be required.

The position is scheduled Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is not available, and this is not a virtual position. The vacancy’s full performance level is GS-8; selection may be at GS-5 through GS-8. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to program eligibility and approval; awards may be up to $200,000, with an eligibility period of one to five years. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT (R)); a limited exception may apply to eligible non-certified entry-level GS-5 candidates through a temporary graduate DRT appointment.
• Completion of a full-time diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months, or equivalent, in a post-high-school program evidenced by a certificate or associate degree and accredited by JRCERT or another accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Knowledge of computerized and digital radiography (CR/DR) and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).
• Meet the grade-specific experience or education and demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities for the grade sought. GS-5 has no experience or education beyond the basic requirements; GS-6 and GS-7 allow specified experience or qualifying graduate education, and GS-8 requires at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
• At GS-6, demonstrate knowledge of basic exposure technique standards, anatomy and positioning, patient safety procedures, and radiographic equipment, plus the ability to learn basic computer functions.
• At GS-7, demonstrate knowledge of digital-image technical adequacy and image adjustment, contrast materials, radiation protection and exposure techniques, computed radiography and digital imaging systems, PACS, and basic computer skills.
• At GS-8, demonstrate the ability to check system operation and assess performance, knowledge of calibration parameters and adjustment, knowledge of patient clinical records, diagnoses and laboratory results, ability to monitor physiological changes and inform the radiologist, tact and diplomacy in customer interactions, and knowledge of anatomy, physiology, cross-sectional anatomy, image recognition, and positioning.
• Meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and complete the required onboarding process.
• Submit the required application documentation; applicants using foreign education must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with their transcript.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as required for VA health care personnel.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to evaluation and written certification for continued employment.
• Meet the position’s physical requirements, including prolonged standing and walking and occasional bending, lifting, and carrying.

Responsibilities

• Interpret requests or instructions from radiologists or clinicians and independently perform routine radiographic examinations of the head, trunk, and extremities.
• Operate fixed, mobile, and other imaging equipment to produce high-quality images, including equipment used for general diagnostic examinations, fluoroscopy, portable radiographs, and C-arm procedures in the Operating Room, Pain Clinic, and other settings as needed.
• Determine technical factors and set controls so the specified body area receives the correct calculated exposure.
• Complete imaging studies within established guidelines for stat, pre-operative, urgent, and routine examinations.
• Confirm each patient’s identity using two forms of identification.
• Assist with transporting patients by wheelchair, stretcher, or walking assistance to locations throughout the hospital and medical centers.
• Set up and operate ancillary departmental equipment, including oxygen tanks and regulators, vital-sign monitors, defibrillators, and suction equipment.
• Practice radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self.
• Perform clerical, scheduling, and file-room duties related to patient care as assigned.
• Maintain supplies and cleanliness in assigned work areas in accordance with infection-control and EMS standards.
• Maintain courteous, respectful, and cooperative relationships with management, co-workers, students, patients, and others.
• Provide instruction, guidance, and hands-on support to radiology students during clinical rotations.
• Travel occasionally to other imaging clinics within the North Florida/South Georgia Diagnostic Imaging Service as needed.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with awards of up to $200,000 and eligibility periods of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position status and eligibility.
• 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree