Clarification from the agency

This position is open to both Permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs and All US Citizens. First AOC are employees of Central Virginia Healthcare System. Second AOC are employees of VHA. third AOC All Others. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

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Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Routine examinations, portables, fluoroscopy, and the operating room. All radiology images must be of acceptable diagnostic quality, as determined by the interpreting Radiologist. Each film/image should stand on its own. ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principles will be followed during all examinations to ensure the Veteran receives the lowest necessary radiation dose. This includes but is not limited to proper collimation, centering, parameter selection, and shielding.
• The technologist properly identifies images with patients full name and social security number. Properly mark radiographs/images: right or left markers so as not to obscure anatomic detail, technologists number or initials, date and time completed, and indicating supine/erect/decubitus view. Case number must be present on all films/images. Film badge must be worn when on duty and left in the department when off duty or on leave. Change film badge once a month. Adhere to the medical center protective equipment policy for fluoroscopic and other ionizing radiation exposure. Wear lead apron when helping radiologist in fluoroscopy, holding patients, or doing exams involving X-Rays where the technologist cannot be six feet away from the source. Provide radiation shielding for patients whenever possible. Doors to the X-Ray rooms must be kept closed during X-Ray exposure.
• Technologists will interview patients about their medical history as required for the study being performed. Ensure that the patient screening process has been performed so contraindicated materials and medical devices are imaged safely. The employee must at all times be aware of the dangers associated within each specific work environment. Special precautions must be taken to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the magnet room while working in MRI. For contraindication precautions, the employee can take X-Rays of the area in question under guidance of the Radiologist. The employee is responsible for having the radiologist review the X-Rays to see if the patient can have the procedure, contacting the operating room about implants the patient has had, and calling the manufacturer about the safety of implants.
• Instruct patients to remove all clothing/objects from pockets or body that would affect the image quality, including but not limited to: watches, chains, earrings, belts, hearing aids, dentures, prosthetic devices, and wallets. Uses patient safety devices as necessary to ensure patient safety during the preparation and examination. Monitors special equipment such as monitors, pulse oximeter, ECG, infusion pumps, oxygen equipment, and respirators. Due to the high incident of claustrophobia, patient fear and incomplete examinations, the employee must be compassionate and understanding with patients during the examinations. The employee should spend time encouraging the patient to complete the examination or contact the patients practitioner for assistance. At no time will the technologist force a patient to complete a study against the patients will.
• Coordinate with radiologists and physicists to determine the appropriate pulse sequences for each individualized patient examination. For uncontrollable patients, the employee must understand different ways to change the parameters to obtain optimum images.
• Prepares all systems for daily operation, brings system up, and checks all self-calibrating parameters. Cleans and prepares equipment surfaces in accordance with established infection control guidelines. Performs routine archiving status checks and deletes data according to established guidelines. Inform supervisor and engineering (bio-medical section) of problems with equipment. Assist manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions in all equipment. Maintain operation log, maintenance, and service reports
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 to 4:30 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
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.
• 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.
• 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 for this role must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT)(R). 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. Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignment that include the below and indicates that the incumbent can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty:
  • Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)
  • Mammography (M)
  • Diagnostic Ultrasound (S)
• 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).] 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.

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). Please see more details in the "Required Documents" section.

Grade Determinations:
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist ARRT (R)(CT)(MR)(M)(IR), GS-10

1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

2) Assignments. 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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:

Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program.

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:

1. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
2. 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.
3. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
4. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.

Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), interventional radiologic technology (IR)

General Radiologic Technology (R). DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).

Mammography (M). The complex nature of breast disease involves multiple imaging modalities. This specialty involves the specific knowledge and abilities to perform complex imaging of the breast. Mammographers must be able to employ specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast. The mammographer is required to be completely familiar with, and adhere to, all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography, radiation safety, and quality assurance requirements. Mammographers are subject to the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and regulated by the FDA. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (M) certification.

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[1]relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs 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.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.




Preferred Experience: Proficiency in at least two advanced modalities.

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-10.

Physical Requirements: See Additional Information

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.