Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Baltimore, MD

7h • Onsite

About The Position

This is an open continuous announcement until December 31, 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. Duties to include 75% General X-ray and 25% CT (Computed Tomography). Receives requests or instruction for procedures. Interprets requests or instruction from radiologist, lead technologist, or medical officers. Performs as technologist in charge on less demanding shifts. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations. Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians. Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and provides cushions for patient comfort and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions. Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, and intravenously for some procedures. Operates digital radiography, fluoroscopy, as well as CT equipment. Determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage), sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Selects and sets technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries. Performs routine QC and equipment calibration and recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to ensure repair. Reviews CT/DR images and transfers images to PACS. Cases out studies in VISTA and QAs in PACS so exams are complete and able to be reported by radiologists. Uses power injector for contrast enhanced CT procedures. Performs procedures such as gastrointestinal and urologic procedures. Assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the head of the unit adoption of those which would improve the operations of the radiology section. Captures images via DR and CT, applies any required algorithms and post-processing, configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. Image manipulation and transmission is critical in computerized tomography. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable].
• Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE)].
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
• Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the 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 care of patients.
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.
• Must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

Nice To Haves

• 1 year experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs as technologist in charge on less demanding shifts.
• Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations.
• Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians.
• Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and provides cushions for patient comfort and shields patients as appropriate.
• Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions.
• Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures.
• Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, and intravenously for some procedures.
• Operates digital radiography, fluoroscopy, as well as CT equipment.
• Determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage), sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure.
• Selects and sets technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations.
• Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures.
• Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries.
• Performs routine QC and equipment calibration and recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to ensure repair.
• Reviews CT/DR images and transfers images to PACS.
• Cases out studies in VISTA and QAs in PACS so exams are complete and able to be reported by radiologists.
• Uses power injector for contrast enhanced CT procedures.
• Performs procedures such as gastrointestinal and urologic procedures.
• Assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out.
• Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the head of the unit adoption of those which would improve the operations of the radiology section.
• Captures images via DR and CT, applies any required algorithms and post-processing, configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system.
• Image manipulation and transmission is critical in computerized tomography.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
• Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What This Job Offers

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