Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General Radiology)

Veterans Health Administration • Jacksonville, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist provides comprehensive general diagnostic radiology services at Jacksonville VA Clinic 1 under physician 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, guidance, and hands-on support during clinical rotations. Occasional travel to other imaging clinics in the North Florida/South Georgia Diagnostic Imaging Service may be required.

The position performs routine and specialized general radiology examinations, selects technical factors and exposure settings, completes imaging studies according to established timing guidelines, and verifies patient identity. It also involves operating ancillary clinical equipment, practicing radiation safety, carrying out related clerical and scheduling duties, and maintaining supplies, cleanliness, and infection-control standards. The scheduled hours are 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Saturday. Telework is not available. The position is a permanent, full-performance GS-8 role; relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

The role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to VHA eligibility requirements and timely application. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA program office. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Radiography (ARRT (R)).
• Completion of a full-time diagnostic radiologic technology training program of at least 24 months (or equivalent) after high school, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree, and accredited by JRCERT or another accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, demonstrating the required clinical competencies.
• Ability to check system 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 a patient's physiologic changes during a procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
• Skill in using 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.
• Knowledge of computerized and digital radiography (CR/DR) and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).
• Ability to meet VA pre-employment, security, onboarding, identification, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Must complete required application documentation and, if selected for a testing-designated position, submit to urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.

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 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 exams.
• Identify each patient using two forms of identification, such as full name, full Social Security number, or date of birth.
• Set up and operate ancillary department equipment, including oxygen tanks and regulators, vital-sign monitors, defibrillators, and suction equipment.
• Practice radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self.
• Mentor radiology students by providing instruction, guidance, and hands-on support during clinical rotations.
• Maintain courteous, respectful, and cooperative working relationships with management, coworkers, students, patients, and others.
• 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.
• Travel occasionally to other imaging clinics within the North Florida/South Georgia Diagnostic Imaging Service as needed.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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