Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Fayetteville (AR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

US Department of Veterans Affairs in the United States seeks a Radiologic Technologist to perform CT and X-ray procedures with certification in ARRT. Advanced CT certification is required for CT assignments, ensuring independent operation and clinical competency.

Candidates should have a 24-month radiologic technology program and appropriate licenses. The role emphasizes ability to balance patient care with high-quality imaging, adherence to safety protocols, and collaboration with radiologists

Qualifications

• Education: completion of a 24-month post-high school radiologic technology program, certificate or associate degree, accredited by JRCERT or other recognized DOE accrediting agency.
• Certification: ARRT (R) in general radiologic technology; Advanced ARRT certification required for CT assignments.
• English proficiency required for appointment as per policy.

Responsibilities

• Perform CT and X-ray procedures and ensure optimal image quality.
• Balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Monitor patients’ physiologic changes during procedures and communicate with radiologists.
• Maintain patient safety, confidentiality, and professional conduct during all hours.

Skills

System checks

Calibration knowledge

Clinical records familiarity

Patient monitoring

Interpersonal skills

Anatomy knowledge

Education

Radiologic technology certificate/ASSOC degree

ARRT certification (R)

Advanced ARRT CT 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.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Education: Applicants must have 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).
• 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). 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.

Grade Determinations

GS-09 : 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.

To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in the your resume that you have experience that includes:

• (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.

GS 09 Demonstrate Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk:

• (i) Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
• (ii) Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
• (iii) Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
• (iv) Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
• (v) Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
• (vi) Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

This position requires the Advanced ARRT certification computed tomography (CT) in addition to the general radiologic technology certification (R).

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of one year of hospital-based experience as a CT technologist.
• Demonstrated experience performing CT and X-ray procedures independently, particularly during off-tour hours (overnight shifts, weekends, or holidays).
• Strong ability to work autonomously and effectively manage workflow with limited onsite support.
• Proven record of sound clinical judgment in urgent or emergent situations when functioning as the sole technologist.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to interact with physicians, nursing staff, and other healthcare professionals during critical hours.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that requires adaptability and initiative.
• Commitment to maintaining patient safety, confidentiality, and delivering compassionate care at all hours.

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS09.

Physical Requirements

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.