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 radiographic equipment—including general diagnostic, portable, fluoroscopic, and PACS-related equipment—as part of patient care in the Imaging Service. The role performs routine and specialized examinations of the head, spine, trunk, gastrointestinal tract, urological system, and extremities to help diagnose illness or injury.

The technologist receives and interprets examination requests, carries out physician instructions, and seeks guidance from a supervisor or lead technologist for uncommon or new procedures. The position supports patient trust, comfort, safety, privacy, and modesty through clear explanations and appropriate positioning. It involves working with patients across clinical settings, including inpatient units, the Emergency Department, and Operating Rooms.

The technologist selects technical factors and equipment settings to achieve diagnostic image quality while practicing radiation safety. Duties also include maintaining and cleaning equipment and work areas, managing supplies, capturing and adjusting digital images, verifying patient information, transmitting images to PACS, registering patients, and performing related clerical duties. The full performance level is GS-8; the position may be filled at GS-5 through GS-8. The work schedule is midnight to 8:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday and every other weekend. Telework is unavailable.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), Radiography (R), except that qualifying non-certified entry-level GS-5 candidates may be appointed temporarily under the stated conditions.
• 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.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet the stated grade-level experience, education, and knowledge, skills, and abilities requirements for the grade sought (GS-5 through GS-8).
• At GS-6, at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade or one full academic year of graduate education in radiography or a directly related field; demonstrate knowledge of basic exposure technique standards, anatomy and positioning, patient safety, radiographic equipment, and ability to learn basic computer functions.
• At GS-7, at least one year of qualifying next-lower-grade experience, one full academic year of graduate education in a directly related field, or the specified advanced registry and bachelor's-degree combination; demonstrate knowledge of digital image adequacy and adjustment, contrast materials, radiation protection, computed and digital imaging systems, PACS, and basic computer skills.
• At GS-8, at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade; demonstrate ability to check system operation and performance, knowledge of calibration and patient clinical information, ability to monitor physiological changes and inform the radiologist, tact and courtesy in dealings with patients and others, and knowledge of anatomy, physiology, cross-sectional anatomy, image recognition, and positioning.
• Non-certified entry-level appointees must meet ARRT (R) eligibility requirements, work under supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level, and meet the stated temporary appointment limits.
• Complete applicable pre-employment screening, background/security investigation, onboarding, identification, and application-document requirements; applicants selected for testing-designated positions are subject to urinalysis before appointment.
• Participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Meet the position's physical requirements; a pre-employment examination or evaluation may be required.

Responsibilities

• Receive and interpret written requests or instructions for radiographic procedures, carry them out, and seek supervisor or lead technologist assistance 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, address patient questions or concerns, and support patient trust, comfort, safety, privacy, and modesty.
• Provide detailed explanations and expert positioning for complex or challenging procedures.
• Operate fluoroscopic and digital radiography equipment, portable X-ray machines, C-arm fluoroscopy, and O-arm imaging systems in inpatient units, the Emergency Department, Operating Rooms, and other clinical settings.
• Select technical factors, set equipment controls, and operate equipment to obtain diagnostically useful images with appropriate exposure.
• 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 each use and before 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 needed.
• Perform clerical duties related to patient care within the section.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for the Student Loan Repayment Program: up to $40,000 annually and $100,000 lifetime, subject to a three-year service agreement and acceptable performance.
• Federal employee benefits package, with eligibility dependent on position type and other factors.

What This Job Offers

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