Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Cincinnati, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Cincinnati OH VA Medical Center is hiring a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) to perform routine to moderately complex diagnostic radiology examinations. The technologist works independently without supervision and performs examinations according to department protocols and parameters or procedures established by a radiologist. The full performance level is GS-08; the vacancy may be filled at GS-05 through GS-08.

The DRT receives patients, explains procedures, positions patients, determines exposure factors, and operates diagnostic imaging equipment. The role includes performing standard examinations, consulting radiologists about nonstandard examinations, and adjusting priorities to accommodate critical and emergency procedures. The technologist helps develop techniques and protocols and may devise alternative ways to visualize pathology.

Procedures may be performed using CR and DR systems, fluoroscopy, portable equipment, and in the GI Lab, Cystography Lab, and operating rooms. The technologist sets up accessory equipment, assists practitioners with fluoroscopic and specialized procedures, monitors patients’ physiology, post-processes digital data, and transmits images to PACS promptly after examinations. The position follows patient privacy, registration, editing, identification, and consent requirements.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with rotating on-call duty. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Completion of a full-time post-high-school diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months, or equivalent, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree from a JRCERT-accredited program or an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Radiography (ARRT (R)); a limited temporary exception may apply to eligible, non-certified GS-5 entry-level candidates.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• For creditable experience, demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and clinical competencies associated with current radiologic technology practice; the posting identifies the equivalent of one year of active DRT practice as a possible basis.
• For GS-6, either one year of experience equivalent to GS-5 or one full academic year of graduate education in radiography or a directly related field, plus knowledge of basic exposure technique standards, anatomy and positioning, patient safety, radiographic equipment, and ability to learn basic computer functions.
• For GS-7, either one year of experience equivalent to GS-6, one full academic year of qualifying graduate education, or an advanced registry program with certification in addition to a four-year bachelor's degree in radiography or a directly related field; the candidate must also demonstrate knowledge of digital image adequacy and adjustment, contrast materials, radiation protection, computed and digital imaging systems, PACS, and basic computer skills.
• For GS-8, at least one year of experience equivalent to GS-7 and demonstrated ability to assess equipment performance, knowledge of calibration and adjustment, patient records and results, patient monitoring, tactful customer interactions, and anatomy, physiology, cross-sectional anatomy, image recognition, and positioning.
• Successful completion of required background/security investigation, pre-employment drug testing and physical evaluation, onboarding, and application documentation.
• Participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• A selected candidate must serve a one- or two-year trial period and receive written certification for continued employment after the trial period.

Responsibilities

• Receive patients, explain procedures, position patients, and make the exposures required for requested examinations.
• Independently perform standard diagnostic radiology examinations and a wide variety of complex examinations to assist in diagnosing disease or injury.
• Consult radiologists regarding requirements for nonstandard examinations, determine technical factors, and position patients appropriately.
• Evaluate critical and emergency procedures and rearrange patient priorities as needed.
• Independently operate diagnostic imaging equipment and set up and adjust required accessory equipment.
• Help develop techniques, define optimal protocols, and devise alternative ways to visualize pathology.
• Perform examinations according to department protocols and parameters or procedures established by a radiologist.
• Determine radiographic exposure factors and plan the table before and during exposure.
• Perform or assist practitioners with fluoroscopic and specialized procedures.
• Participate in physiologic monitoring of patients and keep the radiologist informed of relevant patient changes.
• Perform procedures using CR and DR systems, fluoroscopy, portable equipment, and in the GI Lab, Cystography Lab, and operating rooms, following established checklists.
• Transmit images to PACS immediately after procedures are completed.
• Post-process digital data for display or hard-copy records and ensure proper identification and consent.
• Follow HIPAA guidelines and procedures for registering and editing examinations.
• 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 of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees with total family income below $144,000 may qualify for a child-care subsidy after 60 days of employment, up to 25% of eligible costs and a stated monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term-care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to prior request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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