Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens.

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

• Performs standard radiographic examinations of the head, trunk and extremities for diagnoses of illness and injuries with minimal to no assistance. Receives patients and explains examinations to be performed, ensuring patients are properly attired and prepared before positioning patient for requested examination. Performs procedures as defined by the equipment and scope of services, possibly
  including GI and small bowel series, cholecystograms, cholangiograms, urethorograms, barium and air contrast enemas, myelograms, arthrograms, venograms, DXA Scans, and contrast injections as it correlates to exam. Correlates clinical history, pertinent clinical data and other ancillary diagnostic examinations to obtain radiographic images of optimal value.
• Able to assist radiologists in fluoroscopic examinations which require incumbent to prepare and administer intravenous, oral, and/or rectal contrast media. Fluoroscopic studies such as upper GI's, barium enemas, esophagrams and small bowel follow through are performed on a digital fluoroscopy unit employing direct digital radiography.
• Assists in training employees and student technologists, coordinates radiation safety, receives patients and explains procedures, prepares x-ray room and equipment; performs portables, OR procedures, emergency room (Triage), and recovery room.
• Maintains records of patients examined, and studies performed in the VISTA hospital information system and CPRS.
• Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate these more urgent requirements.
• Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Incumbent may be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Properly identifies patient images using left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity of films to patients does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical.
• Performs operator maintenance on equipment as required.
• Responsible to the radiologists and supervisors for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to ensure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.
• Performs quality control/assurance checks on studies performed to ensure that only optimally diagnostic images are forwarded to the radiologist(s) for interpretation.
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technologists to assure compliance with radiation regulations. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the ALM VA Hospital and participate in quality
  assurance activities as directed.
• The technologist is responsible for performing call duties to include after-hour tours, weekends, and holidays
• Is familiar with PACS, providing adequate and proper radiographs.

Major Duties continued in Qualification section below.

Work Schedule: 0800-1630, Monday - Friday, May require Nights, Weekend, Holiday work
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
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 #: 54514-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

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.
• 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). NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.
  • Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is
    accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.
  • Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
  • Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.
• 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.
• Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• 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).

Grade Determinations: GS-08:

• 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:
  1. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
  2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
  3. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
  4. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
  5. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
  6. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

Preferred Experience: Minimum of 1 year experience as a full time Xray technologist

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

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

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Straight pulling (2 hours); Pushing (4 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (2 hours); Standing (2 hours); Kneeling (2 hours); Repeated bending (2 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Hearing without aid; Mental and emotional stability

Major Duties continued:

• Performs clerical duties to include, but not limited to, registering patients' examinations in VISTA, as well as file room duties such as making CDs for patients as requested and sending exams to NTP.
• The incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees.
• Maintains current knowledge of the developments in the field of allied health sciences as related to Radiologic technology and maintains current ARRT registration.
• The incumbent will perform other duties as assigned.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 03/30/2026 with subsequent cut-off dates bi-weekly. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.