About this role
Job SummaryThis position is located in the Radiology and CT Scanning department of the Imaging Services department at the Aleda E. Lutz VAMC, Saginaw. The DRT is qualified to independently provide routine diagnostic radiologic examinations for multiple modalities.
QualificationsBasic 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 2 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).] English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 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). Creditable Experience 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 one year of active practice, which is paid or nonpaid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. 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. 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 in CT. Bone Densitometry (BD). This non-invasive test measures bone mineral content to diagnose a systemic skeletal disease (osteoporosis) characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural distortion of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. 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. Experience at the next lower grade level includes being able to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. 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 may be appointed to one of the following assignments: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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 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-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09. Preferred Experience: 1 year post certification and CT registered. Physical Requirements. Heavy lifting 45 pounds and over with or without assistance and the aid of mechanical lift equipment; Moderate lifting 15-44 pounds; Light lifting under 15 pounds Moderate carrying 15-44 pounds; Light carrying under 15 pounds; Straight pulling; Pulling hand over hand; pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; walking; standing; kneeling; repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; specific visual requirement ability to visualize x-rays clearly; ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors, Hearing (aid permitted).
Major DutiesThis is an Open Continuous Announcement and will remain open until September 30, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be September 8, 2026. Thereafter, eligible applications received will be referred on an ongoing basis as-needed until position is filled. VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Duties may include but not limited to: Performs all routine and emergent diagnostic radiographic and CT procedures such as but not limited to: Fluoroscopy examinations, cervical, lumbar, thoracic, extremity, facial/headwork radiography, cholangiograms, hysterosalpingography, cystograms, RUGs, barium studies and CT Scanning of the abdomen, thorax, head and extremities and bone densitometry. Maintains sterile environment in OR cases and follows OR specific department policies and procedures as required. Adjusts protocol/standardized views to accommodate patient's inability to position due to illness, injury or medical/mental status. Any additional information, pertinent to the patient's exam is annotated/documented by the technologist. Responsible for maximizing daily utilization of fluoroscopic/radiographic/bone densitometry room/CT exam rooms. Identifies scheduled procedures for the day, plans and coordinates activities around scheduled exams, walk-in exams as well as physician availability for specialized radiographic exams in order to maximize room effectiveness. Prepares the exam room ensuring adequate aseptic and/or sterile supplies, contrast materials, catheters, safety equipment, positioning devices, linen and other required equipment are present. Ensures and maintains exam room and equipment in a clean and neat arrangement. Prepares and administers contrast material orally, rectally, or intravenously under close control of an authorized provider/radiologist and monitors the patient's vital signs and response to the examination. Performs all studies as dictated by the department's standardized protocol list. Notifies the ordering provider of significant changes in patient's medical/mental status. Electronically processes exposed radiographs produced via DR and CR plate readers. Able to trouble shoot minor malfunctions and will bring any issues to the attention of the lead technologist or supervisor. Performs digital/technical manipulation of images, ensures proper exam markers are present, patient identification is accurate, proper positioning utilized in order to provide adequate and proper processing/ storing and transmission of images into PACS. Work Schedule: Intermittent/as needed. There is no regularly scheduled tour of duty. The work is irregular and cannot be reliably scheduled in advance. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92784A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedRequirementsYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. 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 ofemployment. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.