Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37–50 days annual paid time off

Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave

Federal health, vision, dental insurance

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist in Baltimore, Maryland. This role involves performing a variety of radiologic procedures and ensuring quality control standards are met.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens with certifications from ARRT and possess a comprehensive understanding of digital radiography. Competitive benefits include paid time off, parental leave, and a federal pension plan.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship required.
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Minimum one year of experience equivalent to GS-7 level.

Responsibilities

• Receives requests or instructions for procedures.
• Independently performs routine radiographic examinations.
• Calculates correct exposure factors and operates equipment.

Skills

Digital Radiography (DR)

Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS)

Ability to monitor patient physiologic changes

Tact, diplomacy, and courtesy

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology

Education

Full-time training course of at least 24 months

Certified in general radiologic technology by ARRT

Job description

Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will perform procedures and examinations within VA Maryland Health Care Systems (VAMHCS) located in Baltimore, MD, and must be knowledgeable in Digital Radiography (DR) and Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS).

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or mammography (M) duties 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. In modalities that require advanced certification, 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 other recognized accrediting agencies.
• Credentialing Standards: Public Law 97‑35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75.
• English Language Proficiency: Radiologic Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
• Experience (GS‑8): At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS‑7) level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
  • Knowledge of calibration parameters and ability to make adjustments as needed.
  • Knowledge of patient clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
  • Ability to monitor patient physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
  • Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
  • Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, cross‑sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning.
• Preferred Experience: None.
• Full performance level: GS‑8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS‑8.
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Receives requests or instructions for procedures.
• Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers.
• Performs as technologist in charge on less demanding shifts or in a detached clinic.
• Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations.
• Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians.
• Determines technical factors, sets controls, and operates equipment.
• Performs quality‑control duties and maintains standards suggested by the manufacturer, maintaining supplies.
• Independently performs routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries.
• Operates digital radiography – both fixed and portable – in the Imaging Service and in the operating room.
• Calculates correct exposure factors (time, distance, kilovoltage, milliamperage), sets controls, and operates equipment ensuring the specified body part receives the correct calculated exposure.
• Selects and sets technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations.
• Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures.
• Ensures ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle is applied.
• Shields all patients when required.
• Work schedule: Monday‑Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; pay can be adjusted upward for higher or unique qualifications.
• Paid time off: 37–50 days annually (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). 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 for 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 subsidy up to 25% of eligible child‑care costs, up to a monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA match.
• 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.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.