Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Perform technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment, fixed and mobile, as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Supports radiologist or other medical officers to produce radiographic studies used to diagnose medical conditions. Incumbent MUST have ARRT Certification.

***This is an Open Continuous Announcement and will remain open until 12/18/2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 8/13/2026. Eligible applications received will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. ***

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

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Diagnostic Radiological Technologists (DRT) perform technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment, fixed and mobile, as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Supports radiologist or other medical officers to produce radiographic studies used to diagnose medical conditions.

Major Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Interpret requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers
• Consult with higher graded expert for instruction clarification when needed
• Understand and carry out requests from physicians
• Secure the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures
• Explain procedures and positions for procedures
• Administer contrast materials orally, by enema, or by G/J/Peg tube
• Operate computerized radiography, digital radiography, as well as conventional radiology equipment
• Determine technical factors
• Set controls and operate equipment
• Ensure that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure
• Schedule patients for examinations
• Assure sterile supplies are present
• Perform clerical and file room duties
• Configure image
• Verify patient information
• Perform other duties as assigned by service line

Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday; 2:00 pm - 12:00 am (midnight) CST
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
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:

1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
2. 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.
3. 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).

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).

Grade Determinations:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technician, 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.

Preferred Experience: 2 years Radiology hospital experience including GI procedures, OR/C-arm use, inpatient, and portable experience.

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

This position is at the full performance level. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08.

Physical Requirements: The work potentially requires moderately long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending, lifting and carrying of light items such as CR film cassettes. There is occasional moderate exertion such as lifting multi-exposure film cassettes or assisting other technicians in lifting and positioning patients. Heavy lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees.

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 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. 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.