Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EDRP Debt Reduction Program

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Federal retirement benefits

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Seattle seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) to perform advanced CT imaging with independent duties.

The role requires ARRT certification and experience with cross‑campus coverage, infection control, and patient safety protocols. Responsibilities include reviewing orders, positioning, contrast administration, and collaboration with radiologists to deliver high‑quality diagnostic images.

Qualifications

• Certification: ARRT Radiologic Technology (R) required.

Responsibilities

• Review patient history for exam accuracy
• Explain procedures and answer patient questions
• Position patients and follow imaging protocols
• Administer contrast agents and monitor safety
• Coordinate with radiologists, team and clinicians
• Perform routine equipment checks and report malfunctions
• Cross-campus coverage and call/holiday rotation
• Ensure compliance with safety, infection control, and HIPAA

Skills

CT imaging knowledge

Aseptic techniques

Communication skills

Contraindication assessment

Patient care balance

CPR knowledge

Education

ARRT Radiography certification (R)

Advanced ARRT certification (CT/MRI/Mammography)

24-month diagnostic radiologic tech program

Tools

GE CT platforms

Philips CT platforms

Job description

Summary

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.

Qualifications

NOTE: THE 2-PAGE RESUME REQUIREMENT DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS OCCUPATIONAL SERIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION - REFER TO REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BELOW.

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
• 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)
• 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
• Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years - or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 Experience: 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
• Assignment: For all assignments above the full performance level - the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope - complexity (difficulty) - and range of variety - and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time
• Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently
• DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level - clinical instruction - and basic QM type duties within the program
• Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment - the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge - skills - and abilities to perform at this level
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• Computed Tomography (CT): This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or - multi-slice computer tomography - inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans - including drainages - biopsies - and peripheral vascular examinations
• The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location - appearance - and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination
• to interpret the examination request accurately
• to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs
• to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor - or on film - and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician
• DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification
• Preferred Experience: Desired 1-5 years of CT experience - knowledge of GE and Phillips CT platforms
• 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-9. Physical Requirements: There are no physical requirements for this occupation per OCHCO Communications email to VA Handbook 5019 - updated on 4/17/2026.

Duties

• NOTE: THE 2-PAGE RESUME REQUIREMENT DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS OCCUPATIONAL SERIES
• FOR MORE INFORMATION - REFER TO REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BELOW
• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional An employee at this level is fully functional as a DRT (CT) and can carry out assigned tasks independently
• DRTs at this level may have varying assignments - including special and complex radiographic procedures (CT)
• Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment - the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge - skills and abilities to perform at this level
• Functions Criteria/Duties Reviews patient history for exam accuracy
• Explains procedures and answers patients' questions and ensures with comfort
• Positions patients correctly and follows established imaging protocols adjusting technical factors when needed
• Administers contrast agents - monitoring patients constantly for safety
• Coordinates with radiologists - team members - and clinical staff to support efficient workflow
• Follows ALL safety - infection control - and HIPPA regulations
• Performs routine equipment checks - troubleshoots issues and reports malfunctions promptly
• Cross campus coverage when needed
• Call coverage rotation
• Holidays coverage rotation
• Skills Proficient in CT imaging protocols - positioning - and dose reduction techniques - ALARA
• Excellent communication skills for successful interaction with veterans - family members - and team members
• Knowledge of aseptic techniques and sterile environments for patient care and procedures
• Must be able to work independent and pay attention to detail
• Familiar with medical terminology relevant to diagnostic radiology/CT
• CPR Certified Venipuncture knowledge preferred
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 4pm-12am Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact [e-mail] - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) 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 in connection with the 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 childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA 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
• Functional Statement #: 00000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized