Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - General Radiologic Technology

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Federal pension and benefits

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Radiology Technician to operate and maintain general radiology equipment, perform quality control, and support contrast‑based imaging procedures under radiologist supervision.

The role requires ARRT(R) certification, a 24‑month radiologic technology program, and strong patient safety and English communication skills. It includes responsibilities across rotation shifts within the Iowa City Medical Center Radiology Department.

Qualifications

• Certified radiologic technologist (ARRT R)
• Completion of a 24‑month post‑high‑school radiologic technology program (certificate or associate degree)
• English language proficiency for spoken and written communication
• Able to meet Public Law 97‑35 and 42 CFR Part 75 credentialing standards

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform quality control on general radiology equipment.
• Assist with operation, maintenance, and repair of computerized image storage systems.
• Prepare contrast materials under radiologist supervision for exams requiring injectables and/or GI contrast.
• Explain exams to patients and monitor for adverse reactions during procedures.
• Input radiology information into the RIS and ensure correct patient identification.

Skills

Radiology procedures knowledge

Patient safety procedures

English proficiency

Equipment troubleshooting

Education

ARRT(R) certification

JRCERT-accredited program 24 months

Tools

PACS

RIS

Digital Imaging Systems

Job description

Summary

Operates independently, without direct supervision, performing all diagnostic radiology examinations. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials with the purpose of achieving diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may be appointed only 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) – and 7407(d).
• Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology – Radiography (ARRT)(R).
• 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 the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or other recognized accrediting agencies.
• Credentialing Standards: Must meet the requirements of Public Law 97‑35 and 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, the applicant must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds those standards and be certified as a radiographer in their field.
• Loss of Credential: Failure to obtain or maintain required certification within two years results in removal from the occupation, which may lead to termination of employment.
• Grandfathering Provision: Only applicable to current VHA employees who meet the criteria described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation.
• Exception for Non‑Certified – Entry‑Level Candidates: Non‑certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception applies only at the GS‑5 entry level technician; for grade levels above the entry level the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non‑certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
• Grade Determinations:
  • GS‑5: Experience or Education – None beyond the basic requirements.
  • GS‑6: Experience or Education – At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS‑5) or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or a directly related field. KSAs:
    • Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
    • Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
    • Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
    • Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
    • Ability to learn basic computer functions.
  • GS‑7: Experience or Education – At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS‑6) demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or a related field. KSAs:
    • Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
    • Knowledge of different contrast materials required for the requested study.
    • Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures.
    • Knowledge of computed radiography – CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
    • Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.
  • GS‑8: Experience – At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS‑7) demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. KSAs:
    • 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.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – https://department.va.gov/employees/va-qualifications-standards/
• Physical Requirements: Candidates 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

• This is an open continuous announcement.
• We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis.
• Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis – as long as the vacancy exists.
• Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and performs quality control procedures on all general radiology equipment.
• Assists with the operation, maintenance, and repair of computerized image storage.
• Anticipates supplies needed well in advance for the radiology department.
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiogram, fistulogram, and arthrography, as well as oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. A patient consent form must be obtained when indicated. These procedures require needles, syringes, renografin, barium, and enema bags.
• Knows the effects and adverse reactions of contrast materials.
• Uses contrast materials correctly to avoid patient morbidity or mortality.
• Monitors the patient’s condition continuously and responds to adverse reactions promptly.
• Performs exams during mandatory rotations through Iowa City Medical Center Radiology Department.
• Develops protocols and procedures for radiology and trains other technologists in protocols, procedures, and equipment operation.
• Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and makes minor repairs or adjustments.
• Handles and safeguards all radiation‑producing equipment with extreme caution.
• Reports major equipment malfunctions to the service representative in a timely manner.
• Explains exams to patients in understandable terms, outlining potential hazards.
• Monitors vital signs, recognizes allergic reactions, and initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation when required.
• Receives and interprets all radiology requests.
• Inputs pertinent radiology information into the computer.
• Registers, requests, cancels, and edits exams via the computer radiology information system (RIS).
• Properly identifies patient films using flash identifiers and L/R markers to prevent misidentification.
• Practices radiation safety by using lead aprons, gloves, shields, lead‑lined walls, collimation, and maintaining appropriate distance.
• Wears film badges to ensure compliance with radiation regulations and state guidelines.
• Interview patients to obtain pertinent medical history and medication usage related to the cardiac system.
• Explains to patients the rationale of procedures and instructions for completion.

Benefits and Compensation

• Work Schedule: 07:30 to 16:00 or 16:00 to midnight, Monday through Friday.
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized Pay – Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• Higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be awarded 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 off per year (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays).
• Eligible applicants may receive 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 birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• 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 eligible childcare costs, with a monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions by VA Insurance, plus federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance plans that may be carried into retirement.
• Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.