Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off: 37-50 days of annual PTO

Health, vision, and dental insurance

Retirement options with employer contribution

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring for a diagnostic radiologic technologist in Seattle. The role includes performing radiographs and fluoroscopy while ensuring patient safety and quality imaging standards.

Applicants need to be ARRT certified and possess a completed training program in diagnostic radiologic technology. Competitive benefits include up to 50 days of annual PTO, a traditional federal pension, and health insurance.

Qualifications

• United States citizenship is required; non-citizens may be considered only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include CT, MRI, or mammography duties performed independently.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and STAT radiographs, portable radiographs, and fluoroscopy.
• Maintain accurate imaging records and interpret all radiology requests.
• Prepare contrast materials under radiologist direction for examinations.

Skills

Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure

Knowledge of anatomy and positioning

Knowledge of patient safety procedures and radiation protection standards

Skill in patient communication

Ability to assess and adjust image quality in digital systems

Education

Completion of accredited diagnostic radiologic technology program

Certification in general radiologic technology (ARRT)

Job description

Summary

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

Qualifications

• United States citizenship is required; non‑citizens may be considered only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency 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 CT, MRI, or mammography duties performed independently. Advanced certification demonstrates independent operation and clinical competency in the appropriate specialty.
• For modalities that require advanced certification, technologists without advanced certification may receive on‑the‑job training under the supervision of a certified radiologic technologist.
• Education: Completion of a full‑time training course of at least 24 months in a post‑high‑school diagnostic radiologic technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or an equivalent program approved by the Department of Education.
• Credentialing standards under 42 CFR Part 75 and the Consumer‑Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 require that radiologic technicians meet credentialing standards and are certified.
• Non‑certified entry‑level candidates who meet other eligibility requirements may be appointed as graduate DRTs under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The exception applies only to GS‑5 entry‑level technicians and may not be extended beyond two years.
• For grades above entry level, certification is mandatory.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
• Knowledge of patient safety procedures and radiation protection standards.
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment, computed radiography readers, and digital imaging systems.
• Knowledge of PACS, basic computer functions, and contrast media.
• Ability to assess and adjust image quality in digital systems.
• Ability to monitor patient physiologic changes and recognize allergic reactions.
• Skill in patient communication, diplomacy, and courtesy.
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and ability to make adjustments.
• Understanding of clinical records, diagnoses, and laboratory results.

Duties

• Stand independently to perform routine and STAT radiographs, portable radiographs, fluoroscopy, and OR C‑arm imaging.
• Maintain accurate imaging records and interpret all radiology requests.
• Schedule appointments, process exam requests, and register patient exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Edit cases and cancel exams as needed.
• Prepare contrast materials under radiologist direction for fluoroscopy and GI tract examinations.
• Apply quality control procedures and practice radiation safety to reduce exposure per the ALARA principle.
• Use PACS accurately and document imaging findings.
• Interview patients for medical history and medication usage related to the examination.
• Explain procedures and instructions to patients and participate in the Time‑Out policy.
• Monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation if required.
• Identify patients with at least two full identifiers and ensure correct identification on orders and images.
• Identify system errors and work with the supervisor, chief technologist, and BioMed/HTM department to resolve issues.
• Maintain productivity at the established program level.
• Participate in on‑call and holiday rotations (24 hours per day, 7 days per week) and provide coverage at other VAPSHCS campuses when required.
• Assist in inventory management of supplies and monitor expiration dates.
• Complete additional duties within the scope of diagnostic radiography as assigned.
• Maintain a clean work area and comply with infection control policies, including cleaning reusable medical equipment and proper PPE usage.
• Work schedule: Monday‑Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular increases; higher step rate may be awarded for special qualifications.
• Paid time off: 37‑50 days of annual PTO per year (13‑26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays).
• Parental leave: up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment for birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Child care subsidy: eligible after 60 days of employment for employees with total family income below $144,000; subsidy up to 25% of eligible costs, maximum $416.66 per month.
• Retirement: traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% employer contribution.
• Health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance available to federal employees.
• Telework: not available; virtual work is not offered.
• Permanent change of station: not authorized.
• Recruitment incentive, relocation assistance, and temporary in‑service leave are not authorized.
• Former EDRP participants ineligible for the recruitment incentive.