Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist for the Boston VA Medical Center. This full-time position involves performing diagnostic imaging procedures and ensuring patient safety. Candidates must be certified and meet specific educational requirements. Opportunities for career advancement and participation in the Education Debt Reduction Program are available.

Benefits

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

Qualifications

• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT).
• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• Completion of a training course accredited by JRCERT.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic imaging procedures at the Boston VA Medical Center.
• Ensure patient safety and quality of imaging.
• Maintain knowledge of radiographic techniques and equipment.

Skills

Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure

Knowledge of anatomy and positioning

Knowledge of all patient safety procedures

Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment

Ability to learn basic computer functions

Education

Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in diagnostic radiologic technology

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.





Duties

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist position is in Diagnostic Imaging services at the Boston VA Medical Center, West Roxbury, MA campus. This position is a full-time at 40 hours per week. Duties include but, are not limited to:

Requirements

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement 06/05/2025.

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: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• 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).]
• 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.

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-5: None beyond basic requirements.

GS-6: Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging.

• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
  • (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
  • (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
  • (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
  • (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions.

GS-7: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled.

• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
  • (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
  • (c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures.
  • (d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
  • (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

GS-8: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
  • (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
  • (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
  • (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
  • (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
  • (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

References: VA Handbook 5005/ Part II Appendix G25.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8.

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