Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Gaylord, MI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is an intermittent Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist located in Gaylord, MI. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision.

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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• 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.
• Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
• 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].
• Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently] and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination.
• [In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.]
• Education. 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)].
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
• GS-5 : Experience or Education : None beyond the basic requirements.
• GS-6: Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. Ability to learn basic computer functions
• GS-7: Experience or Education : At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.
• GS-8: Experience : At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• Heavy lifting 45 pounds and over with or without assistance and the aid of mechanical lift equipment; Moderate lifting 15-44 pounds; Light lifting under 15 pounds Moderate carrying 15-44 pounds; Light carrying under 15 pounds; Straight pulling; Pulling hand over hand; pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; walking; standing; kneeling; repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; specific visual requirement ability to visualize x-rays clearly; ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors, Hearing (aid permitted).

Nice To Haves

• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable].
• In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.

Responsibilities

• Performs all routine and emergent diagnostic radiographic procedures such as but not limited to: cervical, lumbar, thoracic, extremity, and facial/headwork.
• Adjusts protocol/standardized views to accommodate patient's inability to position due to illness, injury or medical/mental status.
• Any additional information, pertinent to the patient's exam is annotated/documented by the technologist.
• Responsible for maximizing daily utilization of radiographic room.
• Identifies scheduled procedures for the day, plans and coordinates activities around scheduled exams, walk-in exams in order to maximize room effectiveness.
• Prepares the exam room ensuring adequate supplies, safety equipment, positioning devices, linen and other required equipment are present.
• Ensure and maintain exam room and equipment in a clean and neat arrangement.
• Performs all studies as dictated by the department's standardized protocol list.
• Notifies the ordering provider of significant changes in patient's medical/mental status.
• Performs a two-identifier check, including patient's full name as well as full birth date to ensure the correct patient is identified prior to completing the ordered exam.
• Electronically processes exposed radiographs produced via DR and CR plate readers.
• Able to trouble shoot minor malfunctions and will bring any issues to the attention of the lead technologist or supervisor.
• Performs digital/technical manipulation of images, ensures proper exam markers are present, patient identification is accurate, proper positioning utilized in order to provide adequate and proper processing/ storing and transmission of images into PACS.
• Accurately edits, registers and completes patients in Cerner Electronic Health Record (EHR) Imaging package.
• Adheres to policy and procedural changes affected by internal memos and directives form supervisory personnel.
• Interacts and assists imaging students/volunteers/job shadow students during various rotations throughout Imaging Services.
• Understands that imaging students, volunteers and job shadow students cannot perform direct patient care duties.
• Responsible for the quality assurance of the image including proper positioning, technique and network information prior to transmission to the PACS network.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree