Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Minneapolis, Minnesota

Salary Range: $62458 - $104439 Per Year

Job Summary: NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Performs a wide variety of diagnostic radiography exams under normal supervision and direction of a physician. Operates all radiographic equipment including general diagnostic, portable, fluoroscopic and PACS related equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients in the Imaging Service.

Major Duties:

This occupational series may be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Repayment is limited to $40,000 annually, up to $100,000 in lifetime awards. Participants must sign a three-year service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program. Contact VHAV23SLRP@va.gov for more information. Duties Include but are limited to the following: Receives/Interpret/Performs Exam Requests- Receives written requests or instructions for procedures. Employee understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance from the supervisor or lead tech when an uncommon, unique, or new procedure is required, or if clarification of the request is needed. Registers, edits or cancels exams as needed. Performs relevant clerical duties as they relate to patient care within the section. Independently performs all routine and specialized radiographic examinations of head, spine, trunk, G.I. track, urological system, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries. Maintains computer records of patients and procedures used as required. Patient care- Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Explains procedures, positions the patient for optimal results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies the procedure or positions to adjust for patients' medical condition, and body habitus. Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, or in some circumstances, intravenously under the supervision of a Radiologist, or other Physician, or medical officer. Operates Radiology Equipment - Operates direct radiography (DR) equipment as well as portable, fluoscopic, and diagnostic operating room equipment. Performs procedures on the Units, the Emergency Department and in the Operating Rooms with portable x-ray machines, and portable fluoroscopic C-arm machines and O-arms. Radiation safety practices- Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Analyzes the patient needs, determines, and selects the technical factors for optimum diagnostic quality, sets the controls and operates equipment. Determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage) based on the body part and the individual patient factors. Sets the controls and operate equipment ensuring that the portion of the specified body received the correct calculated exposure necessary for high quality images, but at the lowest possible exposure to the patient. (ALARA) Departmental maintenance- Maintains supplies needed to perform all examinations in the assigned room or area. Cleans and sterilizes equipment and the area after each use and in preparation of the next procedure to be performed. Performs required routine maintenance and recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to lead tech/supervisor and places repair request to Bio Med to ensure repair. Clerical duties- Captures direct radiographic (DR) radiographs, and applies algorithm, configures the image, and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system (PACS). Register patients for examinations and updates status as necessary. Performs relevant clerical duties as they relate to patient care within the section. Maintains computer records of patients and procedures used as required. Review new developments in the field and make recommendations to the Lead Tech, Supervisors and Manager of the unit to adopt those which would improve the operations of the Diagnostic Radiology section. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm with rotating weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized for Well Qualified Candidates Only Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications: 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). 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. 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 only applies 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technician GS-5 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-6 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates 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 other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following 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 material 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following 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. Preferred Experience: BLS 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-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. 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.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/13/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12830107. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2025-11-13