Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Columbia, SC is seeking a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (GS-9). The role involves performing advanced imaging procedures and providing high-quality radiologic services in a clinical setting.

The position requires ARRT certification with potential for advanced certification in CT/MRI/Mammography and a minimum 24-month accredited radiologic technology program. Applicants must be U.S.

Qualifications

• 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 ARRT (R). Advanced ARRT certification required for CT/MRI/Mammography duties.
• Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by JRCERT or other DOE-recognized agencies.

Responsibilities

• 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 life support practices related to radiography.
• Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and universal precautions.
• Knowledge of pre-, intra-, and post-procedural care of patients.
• Two years of experience as a Registered Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist is preferred.

Skills

ARRT Certification

English Proficiency

american citizenship requirement

Education

24-month radiologic technology program

JRCERT accreditation

Job description

A RECRUITMENT/RELOCATION INCENTIVE MAY BE AUTHORIZED FOR HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES

THIS OPEN & CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT (OCA)

which closes on 9/30/2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be on or about 8/20/2026 with subsequent reviews every two weeks as additional vacancies occur or on an as-needed basis, until positions are filled. Please see the "Next Steps" area of the announcement which provides additional information.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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). NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.

Creditable Experience

(1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of 1 year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT.

(2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.

(3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work.

Grade Determinations

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9

(1) 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.

(2) Assignments. 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. DRTs at this grade level will be appointed to the following assignment:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: 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 (*):

• a. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
• b. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
• c. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
• d. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
• e. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
• f. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Preferred experience

Two years of Experience working as a Registered Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist is preferred.

The vacancy is above the full performance GS-9

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

Physical Requirements

Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds, pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above the shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged standing; repeated bending; stooping, walking, pushing or pulling with and without assistance from another patient care provider. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; distinguish basic colors; good hearing (aid permitted); good vision; speed in working and emotional stability. Must have the ability to wear a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and an apron for long periods of time.