Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI/CT/X-Ray)

This position is in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Richmond VA Medical Center, VISN 6. The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout all clinical and other Veteran care areas Involved within the Richmond VA Radiology Section. This position reports directly to the Richmond VAMC MRI Supervisor and will be expected to work closely in conjunction with the Radiology leadership.

Employees at this level are fully functional as Advanced Diagnostic Radiology Technologist, in General Diagnostic X-ray, MRI and CT sections, and can carry other assigned tasks independently. The advanced DRT (MRI/CT/X-ray) will maintain ARRT certification in Radiography (R), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Computed Tomography (CT).

Duties include but are not limited to:

• General Diagnostic and CT
  • General Diagnostic X-Ray duties include but are not limited to routine examinations, portables, fluoroscopy, and the operating room.
  • CT duties will include but are not limited to a full range of diagnostic and interventional examinations, complex CT angiography, CT portography, 3-D computer reconstruction, and complex computer measurements and manipulations.
  • Properly identifying images with patient's full name and social security number.
  • Properly marking radiographs/images: right or left markers, so as not to obscure anatomic detail; technologist's number or initials; date and time completed; indicating supine, erect or decubitus view. Case number must be present on all films/images.
• MRI
  • Performs magnetic resonance imaging of heads and bodies which include, but are not limited to: brain, face, larynx, nasopharynx, neck, orbits, paranasal sinus, parotid glands, tongue and oropharynx, TMJ, chest, cardiac, cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbo-sacral spine, brachial plexus, abdomen (adrenal, kidney, liver, pancreas), pelvis (bladder, prostate, scrotum), shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, hip, knee, and foot/ankle.
  • Performs complex procedures including, but not limited to: MRA chest, abdomen, pelvis, aorta, carotid bifurcations, circle of Willis, vertebral/basilar arteries, liver, renal, spinal canal, MRV superior sagittal sinus, MR iliac Veins, MR spectroscopy, MRCP, runoffs, prostate, cardiac, breast, biopsies, and MRI research exams.
  • Screening patients prior to the exam to determine if there are any contraindications to the procedure or to the patient being exposed to a magnetic field (such as metallic foreign bodies, contraindicated medical devices, etc.).
  • Responsible for ensuring that the MRI lab complies with American College of Radiology Technologic Imaging Standards.
• General Diagnostic/CT/MRI
  • The technologist must have knowledge of the medical equipment that may be attached to the patient when they are in the Radiology Service for their examination.
  • Receives patient, explains methods of procedure, positions patients and makes exposures necessary for the requested examination.
  • Prepares IV contrast as necessary and injects patients with contrast media under supervision of a Radiology physician to enhance tissue, lesions, etc.
  • Monitors the examination by checking computations, performances, and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer-generated data and images.
  • Sending all appropriate images to PACS. Verifies images are present for Radiologist Viewing in the PACS system.

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Work Schedule: Various Tours. This Position supports 24/7 operations throughout the calendar year. Work is typically performed on assigned shift; however, candidate may be subject to overtime work, shift work, and/or work on rotating shifts to include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Subject to call back outside tour of duty.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized.
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year), Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• 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) duties, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed independently: 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.
• 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). Transcripts required.

NOTE: Grandfathering Provision: 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).

IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE, YOU MUST MEET THE GRADE REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION.

GS-10 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-09 directly related to the position being filled. This includes working on assigned tasks independently; Experience with varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program; 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; Preparing and administering contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations; knowledge in digital radiography (DR), and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS); and Interpreting examination request accurately.

In addition, you must have experience which demonstrates the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• i. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
• ii. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.
• iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
• iv. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging within CT and MRI studies.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: For the physical requirements of this job see VA directive and Handbook 5019. The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds or over; moderate carrying 15-45 pounds; pushing, pulling, and reaching above shoulders up to 4 hours; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, standing, and/or sitting; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid not permitted in Zone 4); and speed in working. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

• You 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• 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. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.