Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (R)

Veterans Health Administration•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

This is a full-performance Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Generalist) position. The technologist performs radiographic examinations and procedures that produce images for medical diagnosis and interpretation by medical officers. The role requires a two-year approved training program and ARRT certification, and includes work across routine and complicated radiographic examinations. The full performance level is GS-8; the vacancy may be filled at GS-5 through GS-8. The technologist receives patients, explains examinations, positions patients, selects technical factors, configures equipment, makes exposures, and archives images. The role includes preparing and administering contrast media and medications in accordance with applicable regulations and preparing contrast materials under radiologist direction. Exams may include routine head, chest, extremity, and abdominal studies; as workload dictates, bone density examinations and non-contrast CT head and abdominal scans may also be performed. The technologist operates mobile X-ray equipment in operating rooms, nursing and intensive care units, and the emergency room. The position requires radiation safety practices, quality control, and proper archival of examinations. The technologist reviews and interprets radiology requests, registers exams, makes necessary cancellations or edits in the radiology information system after consulting with the staff radiologist, and labels images with left and right markers. The technologist must work without direct supervision; radiographs are reviewed by a radiologist on a spot-check basis. Rotational irregular standby duty provides 24-hour hospital coverage. The technologist also supports on-the-job training for trainees and students and maintains current knowledge of developments in radiologic technology. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Compressed or flexible scheduling may be available to highly qualified candidates. Telework is unavailable, and the position is not virtual. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to individual eligibility and program approval; the award may be up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years. This is a permanent position with no permanent change of station.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
ARRT certification in general radiologic technology (Radiography); advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments involving independent CT, MRI, or mammography duties, as applicable.
Completion of a full-time diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months (or equivalent) in a post-high-school program accredited by JRCERT or another Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency; evidenced by a certificate or associate degree.
For GS-6, at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade or one full academic year of relevant graduate education, plus the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities.
For GS-7, at least one year of qualifying experience, one full academic year of relevant graduate education, or an advanced registry program with certification in addition to a four-year relevant bachelor’s degree, plus the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities.
For GS-8, at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade demonstrating the required clinical competencies, plus the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Meet grade-specific knowledge and abilities, including radiographic exposure and positioning, anatomy, patient safety, equipment and computer use, digital image quality, contrast materials, radiation protection, CR and digital imaging, PACS, equipment performance and calibration, patient records and clinical status, monitoring patients during procedures, and professional patient and staff interactions.
Complete required pre-employment screening and onboarding, including urinalysis for applicants tentatively selected for testing-designated positions, background/security investigation, and acceptable identity documentation.
Register for Selective Service if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as required for VA Health Care Personnel.
Serve a one- or two-year trial period.
Meet the physical demands of the job, including bending, carrying moderately heavy articles, pushing and pulling, assisting patients with positioning, reaching, use of both hands and fingers, dexterity, prolonged walking and standing, repeated bending, coordination, corrected far vision, color discrimination, speed, and emotional stability.

Nice To Haves

Compressed or flexible scheduling is available to highly qualified candidates.
A higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
Advanced ARRT certification for applicable CT, MRI, or mammography assignments.

Responsibilities

Perform routine and complicated radiographic examinations and produce diagnostic images.
Receive patients, explain examination procedures, position patients, select technical factors, set up and adjust equipment, make exposures, and archive images.
Prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations, and prepare contrast materials under radiologist direction for applicable examinations.
Perform routine head, chest, extremity, and abdominal examinations and, as workload dictates, bone density exams and non-contrast CT scans of the head and abdomen.
Operate mobile X-ray equipment in operating rooms, nursing and intensive care units, and the emergency room.
Maintain radiation safety through appropriate collimation, shielding, lead aprons, and techniques that limit exposure while obtaining diagnostic images.
Use quality-control techniques and ensure examinations are properly archived.
Train radiologic technologist trainees, rotating X-ray students, and technologists assigned through affiliated teaching programs.
Maintain current knowledge of developments in Allied Health Sciences as related to Radiologic Technology.
Manage time efficiently to complete required procedures and reduce patient wait times without compromising quality.
Explain examinations and potential hazards to competent patients in understandable terms.
Receive and interpret radiology requests by reviewing orders and patient history; register exams and cancel or edit exams in the radiology information system as needed after consulting the staff radiologist.
Label patient images or films with left and right markers.
Work without direct supervision and provide rotational irregular standby coverage for 24-hour hospital coverage.
Monitor patients during procedures and keep the radiologist informed of physiologic changes.

Benefits

Education Debt Reduction Program, with awards up to $200,000 and eligibility periods of one to five years, subject to program review and approval.
Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered in certain circumstances.
37–50 days of annual paid time off, comprising 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience.
Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
Potential childcare subsidy after 60 days for eligible full-time employees with total family income below $144,000, covering up to 25% of eligible childcare costs, subject to the stated monthly maximum and eligibility rules.
Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k), with VA contributions up to 5%.
Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many programs may be carried into retirement.

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