Clarification from the agency

This job announcement is open to current permanent Department of Veterans Affairs employees. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Videos

*Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

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

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

*Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Efficiently schedules CT examinations to optimize scanner utilization while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases.
• Prioritizes scheduled patients and accommodates urgent add-ons requiring immediate attention.
• Consults with radiologists to determine requirements for non-standard exams.
• Selects appropriate technical factors, patient positioning, scan parameters, and image thickness to meet diagnostic needs.
• Performs a full range of CT procedures, including peripheral, visceral/abdominal, extremity, and CT angiographic studies (e.g., renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, spine, head, and neck).
• Operates advanced imaging equipment, injectors, biplane systems, and monitoring devices to obtain high-quality diagnostic and therapeutic images.
• Performs myelography of the spine using appropriate immobilization devices when required, ensuring proper imaging of the spinal canal.
• Works closely with radiologists, anticipating procedural needs and providing continuous patient monitoring.
• Maintains sterile technique during biopsies and promptly recognizes and responds to patient reactions or technical challenges.
• Prepares and administers contrast materials used in CT and angiographic exams.
• Maintains full understanding of contrast usage and potential risks.
• Monitors patients for adverse reactions and provides immediate response when needed. Inserts IV access for contrast administration when required.
• Adheres to radiation safety protocols to minimize exposure to patients, staff, and self. Uses protective equipment and ensures compliance with radiation monitoring requirements.
• Performs image reconstructions for general CT and CT angiography as part of routine protocols or by radiologist request.
• Maintains accurate records of completed exams, including patient registration and exam edits within the computerized information system.
• Ensures correct patient identification by verifying ID bands, exam requests, and verbal confirmation of name and Social Security number to prevent imaging errors.
• Explains procedures clearly to competent patients, ensuring understanding of the exam process and any associated risks.
• Manages inventory and restocks CT supplies and materials as needed.
• Participates in rotational stand-by duty to provide 24-hour coverage, remaining available within 30 minutes of call-in to support emergency imaging needs.
• Stays current with new developments in CT technology and techniques to continually improve image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
• Assists in training and supervising rotating x-ray students, technologists, clerical staff, and volunteers.
• Applies effective teaching methods to support high-quality education in CT imaging.
• Maintains authorized access to secured medication storage areas (e.g., IV solutions and contrast agents) necessary for daily CT operations and patient care.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4:00p p.m.
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact EDRP: vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
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)
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 #: 52731-A
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 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/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.

Qualifications

The Diagnostic Imaging service withing the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center is currently recruiting for one (1) Diagnostic Imaging Radiologic Computed Tomography technologist.

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: Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.
• 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)

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:

Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs 5 appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.

GS-9 Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-8 level. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.

GS-9 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: At this level, candidates must also demonstrate the following assignment specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

• 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.

Preferred Experience: Specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. Knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination. Interprets the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor and the various stages of the examinations to judge the acceptability of the image and or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of particular interest to the physician. Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Performs peripheral and visceral/abdominal systems and extremities and CT angiography, including spine, head and neck studies. These studies include renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated x-ray equipment, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc. Performs myelography of the complete spine utilizing conventional x-ray units, spot films, patient immobilizers, etc., when required. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal. Works with the radiologist. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition, and maintain sterile field during biopsies. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography and other exams. It is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Is trained to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Capable of performing reconstructions of general CT and CT angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient I.D. band and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number.

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

This announcement is above the full performance level. And is listed at the GS-9 grade level.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles. Some pushing and pulling. Patients sometimes are assisted to achieve proper positioning which may require reaching or work in strained positions. Reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required), prolonged walking, prolonged standing, repeated bending, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20, ability to distinguish basic colors, speed in working, and emotional stability. English Language Proficiency.

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.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

1. Current permanent VA employees.