Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Minneapolis, MN

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs a wide variety of diagnostic radiographic examinations and operates general diagnostic, portable, fluoroscopic, and PACS-related equipment as part of patient care in the Imaging Service. The role includes routine and specialized examinations of the head, spine, trunk, gastrointestinal tract, urological system, and extremities, as well as procedures in inpatient units, the Emergency Department, and Operating Rooms.

The technologist explains procedures, responds to patient questions and concerns, and protects patient comfort, safety, privacy, and modesty. They select technical factors and operate imaging equipment to produce diagnostically useful images while following radiation-safety practices and applicable standards. The position also includes equipment and area upkeep, supply maintenance, image processing and transmission, patient registration, and related clerical duties.

The work schedule is Monday through Thursday, midnight to 8:00 a.m., and every other weekend, midnight to 8:00 a.m. Telework and virtual work are not available. The full performance level is GS-8; the vacancy may be filled at GS-5 through GS-8. A full-time post-high-school diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months, or equivalent, is required, along with ARRT (R) certification except for the specified entry-level temporary appointment exception. The position may be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program, subject to program terms.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception under VA policy for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• ARRT certification in general radiologic technology, Radiography (R), except for the stated entry-level temporary appointment exception for eligible non-certified candidates.
• Completion of a full-time diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months after high school, or equivalent, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree from an appropriately accredited program.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet applicable credentialing requirements for radiographic personnel.
• For GS-6: at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade or one full academic year of qualifying graduate education, plus the specified knowledge and abilities in radiographic techniques, anatomy and positioning, patient safety, equipment, and basic computer functions.
• For GS-7: at least one year of qualifying experience, one full academic year of qualifying graduate education, or the specified advanced registry and bachelor's degree pathway, plus the specified knowledge and abilities in digital image quality, contrast materials, radiation protection, computed and digital imaging, PACS, and computer skills.
• For GS-8: at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade demonstrating the required clinical competencies, plus the specified knowledge and abilities in equipment performance, calibration, patient records and results, patient monitoring, professional interactions, anatomy, and positioning.
• Meet pre-employment requirements, which may include urinalysis, background/security investigation, onboarding, and a pre-employment physical examination or evaluation.
• Participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for health care personnel.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior work experience or military service may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, subject to approval.
• The occupational series may be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program, subject to program requirements and a three-year service agreement.

Responsibilities

• Receive and interpret written requests or instructions for radiographic procedures; perform them or seek guidance for uncommon, unique, or new procedures.
• Perform routine and specialized radiographic examinations of the head, spine, trunk, gastrointestinal tract, urological system, and extremities.
• Explain imaging procedures, answer patient questions, establish trust and cooperation, and ensure patient comfort, safety, privacy, and modesty.
• Operate fluoroscopic and digital radiography equipment, portable X-ray machines, C-arm fluoroscopy, and O-arm imaging systems in clinical settings including inpatient units, the Emergency Department, and Operating Rooms.
• Select technical factors, set controls, and operate equipment to provide appropriate exposure and high-quality diagnostic images.
• Follow radiation-safety practices to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self, and comply with applicable professional standards and directives.
• Maintain examination supplies; clean and sterilize equipment and the work area after use and in preparation for the next procedure.
• Capture digital radiographic images, apply imaging algorithms, adjust image quality or formatting, verify patient information, and transmit images to PACS.
• Register patients for examinations and update their status as necessary.
• Perform clerical duties related to patient care within the section.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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 up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• Potential annual leave accrual credit based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Potential Student Loan Repayment Program award of up to $40,000 annually and $100,000 lifetime, with a three-year service agreement and continued acceptable performance.

What This Job Offers

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