Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Auburn, WA

16h • Onsite

About The Position

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Functions Independently performs routine and STAT radiographs, portable radiographs, fluoroscopy, and OR C-arm imaging. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into system. Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist for the purpose of performing Fluoroscopy exams requiring injectable solutions and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. Know the effects and adverse reactions of the contrast materials. Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Accurately utilizes PACS. Knowledge of and performs Quality Control procedures. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients and staff while applying elements of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle. Dosimeters are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance to radiation regulations. Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as pertains to the examination being performed. Explains to patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure. Participates in Time-Out policy as required for all procedures. Explains examinations to be performed to patients. May be required to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Properly identifies patient with at least 2 full patient identifiers in accordance with VAPSHCS policy, confirms identity on order, properly identifies and annotates pertinent information on patient images and utilizes L(eft) and R(ight) lead markers. Identifies system errors and work with the Supervisor, Chief Technologist and BioMed/HTM department to facilitate the effective and timely service of radiographic equipment. Ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible. Participate equally in on-call and holiday schedule rotations, providing adequate and essential hospital coverage, 24 hours per day/7 days per week. May be required to provide occasional coverage at other campuses within VAPSHCS. Assists in maintaining inventory of supplies, monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance. Complete additional duties as necessary within the scope of practice for Diagnostic Radiography. Maintains a neat and clean work area, including patient care areas, shared spaces, desks, and countertops at all times, properly disposing of soiled linen and restocking linen supplies daily. Follows all Infection Control policies including cleaning and disinfection procedures of Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), Hand Hygiene and proper PPE usage.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents ).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable.
• Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).
• Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel.
• Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.
• Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B).
• The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level.
• This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technologist.
• For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified.
• Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
• An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.
• None beyond the basic requirements (for GS-5).
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging (for GS-6).
• Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure (for GS-6).
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning (for GS-6).
• Knowledge of all patient safety procedures (for GS-6).
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment (for GS-6).
• Ability to learn basic computer functions (for GS-6).
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging (for GS-7).
• Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system (for GS-7).
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study (for GS-7).
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures (for GS-7).
• Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems (for GS-7).
• Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills (for GS-7).
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level (for GS-8).
• Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines (for GS-8).
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed (for GS-8).
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results (for GS-8).
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed (for GS-8).
• Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers (for GS-8).
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest (for GS-8).

Nice To Haves

• Advanced certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable.
• General Radiology skills
• Fluoroscopy
• DXA

Responsibilities

• Independently performs routine and STAT radiographs, portable radiographs, fluoroscopy, and OR C-arm imaging.
• Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records.
• Receives and interprets all radiology requests.
• Inputs pertinent radiology information into system.
• Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS).
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist for the purpose of performing Fluoroscopy exams requiring injectable solutions and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract.
• Know the effects and adverse reactions of the contrast materials.
• Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders.
• Accurately utilizes PACS.
• Knowledge of and performs Quality Control procedures.
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients and staff while applying elements of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle.
• Dosimeters are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance to radiation regulations.
• Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as pertains to the examination being performed.
• Explains to patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure.
• Participates in Time-Out policy as required for all procedures.
• Explains examinations to be performed to patients.
• May be required to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Properly identifies patient with at least 2 full patient identifiers in accordance with VAPSHCS policy, confirms identity on order, properly identifies and annotates pertinent information on patient images and utilizes L(eft) and R(ight) lead markers.
• Identifies system errors and work with the Supervisor, Chief Technologist and BioMed/HTM department to facilitate the effective and timely service of radiographic equipment.
• Ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible.
• Participate equally in on-call and holiday schedule rotations, providing adequate and essential hospital coverage, 24 hours per day/7 days per week.
• May be required to provide occasional coverage at other campuses within VAPSHCS.
• Assists in maintaining inventory of supplies, monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance.
• Complete additional duties as necessary within the scope of practice for Diagnostic Radiography.
• Maintains a neat and clean work area, including patient care areas, shared spaces, desks, and countertops at all times, properly disposing of soiled linen and restocking linen supplies daily.
• Follows all Infection Control policies including cleaning and disinfection procedures of Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), Hand Hygiene and proper PPE usage.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year).
• After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (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