Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 66,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at the GS-8 level for the Birmingham facility. The role involves independently providing radiologic services with occasional oversight and requires ARRT certification and a 24-month training program.

Responsibilities focus on credentialing standards, English proficiency, and accurate patient records. The position supports CT/MRI/Mammography duties as applicable, upholding safety and high-quality care.

Qualifications

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Certified in general radiologic technology by ARRT (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification required for CT/MRI/Mammography duties as applicable.
• Completion of a full-time 24-month diagnostic radiologic technology program, or equivalent, from an accredited program.
• English proficiency in speaking and writing as required by policy.

Responsibilities

• Provide radiologic procedures independently with occasional oversight.
• Ensure appropriate calibration and operation of radiologic equipment.
• Maintain and review patients' clinical records and related documentation.
• Monitor patient physiologic changes during procedures and communicate with radiologists.
• Demonstrate professional conduct and courtesy with patients and staff.

Skills

System check

Calibration knowledge

Patient records

Physiologic monitoring

Customer service

Anatomy knowledge

Education

Radiologic Tech program (24mo)

ARRT Certification

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

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. 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.

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).

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.

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-8 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues.

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.

All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package. 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-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.