Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography/Dual Energy Absorptiometry

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Saint Cloud (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Saint Cloud, MN seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist to independently perform a wide range of radiologic exams including CT and DXA, with and without contrast, to support accurate diagnoses.

Applicants must meet ARRT certification, a post‑high school radiologic program of 24 months, and CT certification for CT assignments; strong communication and teamwork are preferred.

Qualifications

• Completion of a full-time diagnostic radiologic technology program (24+ months) evidenced by cert/associates degree.
• ARRT certification in General Radiologic Technology (R) is required; CT requires advanced ARRT.
• English language proficiency and ability to interact with patients and staff.

Responsibilities

• Independently determines technical factors and operates radiology equipment to ensure proper exposure.
• Performs radiologic exams with/without contrast per physician orders and protocols.
• Maintains workflow and coordinates exams within imaging departments; uses RIS/PACS.
• Administers contrast materials under radiologist/physician direction; monitors patient safety.
• Ensures radiation safety, patient identification, and documentation throughout procedures.

Skills

Excellent communication

Teamwork skills

Education

Post-high school radiologic technology program (24 months)

Certificate or associate degree in radiologic technology

Tools

PACS

RIS

CT equipment

DXA systems

Job description

Summary Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)/Computerized Tomography (CT)/Dual energy Absorptiometry (DXA) Responsible for independently and without direct supervision performing a wide variety of routine to complex diagnostic radiologic examinations. These diagnostic studies are performed with and without contrast materials to aid the care provider with proper diagnosis and treatment of the Veteran.

All requirements must be met by the close date of this announcement - 09/30/2026.

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
• 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
• 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)
• 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)
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Grade Determinations: GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level - GS-8 - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• These include: 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
• AND Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: 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
• Preferred Experience: Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• 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: You will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre‑employment process for this position
• Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include - but are not limited to: Independently determines technical factors (i.e. - calculates the correct exposure factors of time - distance - kilovoltage - and milliamperage) - sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the area of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure
• Technologist follows standard operating procedures to perform all radiologic exams
• Incumbent possesses the ability to occasionally deviate from standard procedures as necessary to adapt for deformities of body - injuries - and other variable considerations such as age - weight - and physical condition of the patient
• Maintains effective and efficient work environment in Imaging area by area by coordinating - planning - organizing - and executing the work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the department
• Monitors and maximizes efficiency in the number of exams performed without compromising quality standards
• Independently operates and monitors digital radiography (DR) systems - CT equipment - DXA - PACS and other computer‑based equipment (i.e
• computer - etc.)
• Performs reconstructions for CT when requested or as part of a standard protocol
• Daily assesses any patient limitations (i.e
• vent patient - nursing home care - psychiatric - etc.) and is able to modify procedure to meet patient's needs while obtaining images needed for diagnostic interpretation
• Prepares and administers contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist/physician for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as CT scans and cystogram - and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract
• In the case of injected media - a patient consent form must be obtained - when indicated
• The technologist must possess a thorough knowledge of the effects and adverse reactions of contrast materials used in the department and must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders
• Adverse reactions require immediate attention
• Incumbent is trained and certified to insert IV catheters for the administration of contrast materials when necessary
• Routinely assesses patient for contraindications for ordered procedure (i.e
• elevated creatinine for IV contrast exam - allergy to contrast media etc.)
• Possesses knowledge of and skills needed to access patient electronic health record for patient history - notes - and laboratory results
• Receives and interprets imaging requests as it pertains to correct order for reason for study
• Coordinates exams in a manner to optimize performance of exams while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer
• Registers requests - cancels if necessary - and edits (ends) exams via the computer Radiology Information System (RIS)
• Properly identifies patient images using identifiers and Left & Right markers
• Identifies patient prior to exam utilizing two factor identification
• The technologist must be certain patient identification and the requests are identical
• Responsible for explaining exams and potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend and understand
• Explains any requirements of the patient for an adequate study to be performed
• May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions - and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff - and self
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• 8:30-5:00 - includes rotating weekends/holidays and rotating on-call duty Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• 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)
• 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 #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized