Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Battle Creek, MI

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent serves as a staff Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist for Community Care Service and coordinates and/or reviews multiple radiological modalities for consideration of community care outside the Veterans Health Administration. The position performs diagnostic radiographic procedures and supports timely, accurate care through patient preparation, imaging, records management, and coordination with outside radiology staff.

The technologist explains examinations to patients, answers questions, and ensures appropriate consent. Depending on the procedure or the patient's condition, the technologist may monitor vital signs, recognize medical emergencies, and initiate emergency response measures. The role also includes maintaining examination records, managing orders and work lists in the hospital information system, placing consults and referrals, and ensuring completed radiology records are uploaded to the appropriate location in the electronic health record.

Work schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available. The position is at the GS-09 level, with the full performance level at GS-09.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), Radiography (R).
• Completion of a full-time post-high-school diagnostic radiologic technology training program of at least 24 months, or equivalent, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree and accredited by JRCERT or another Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position, demonstrating the required clinical competencies.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Knowledge of gathering relevant information from medical records, significant others, and health care providers.
• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate a procedure.
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
• Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques, and universal precautions.
• Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural patient care.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and applicable background/security investigation; selected applicants in testing-designated positions are subject to pre-appointment urinalysis.
• Must meet applicable onboarding, identification, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform radiographic procedures using appropriate exposure techniques and technical aids to produce diagnostically high-quality images while minimizing retakes.
• Explain examinations to patients, allow them to ask questions, and ensure proper patient consent.
• Monitor vital signs when required and recognize allergic reactions, seizures, cardiac arrest, and other conditions requiring immediate attention.
• Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, artificial respiration, and defibrillator operation when needed.
• Perform examinations using portable and stationary radiographic equipment.
• Prepare contrast material under a radiologist's direction for fluoroscopic and radiographic examinations, including injectable, oral, and rectal procedures.
• Maintain records and files of patient examinations.
• Edit orders, register patients, and complete work-list management in the hospital information system and interface.
• Place consults and referrals and correct orders as needed to support timely and accurate care.
• Upload radiology records to the appropriate electronic health record location after complete reports are received.
• Coordinate with outside radiology staff to obtain correct examinations, CPT codes, and updated orders.
• Balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Gather relevant information from medical records, significant others, and health care providers; assess factors that may contraindicate procedures.
• Provide pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural patient care, using appropriate physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods, and universal precautions.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or agency special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Selected applicants may qualify for annual leave accrual credit based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• 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, and 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.

What This Job Offers

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