U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, San Antonio, Texas, United States, 78208
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Perform a variety of radiographic examinations such as routine, difficult, and complex studies in the department as well as in the operating room and on the wards/units. Receive the patient, explain the method of procedure, position patients, select and set technical factors, set up and adjust accessory equipment, and make exposures necessary for the requested procedure. Positions range from entry GS‑5 to the full performance GS‑8 level.
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
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 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)
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.
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: • GS‑05 (Entry Level): None beyond the basic requirements • GS‑06 (Developmental): Experience • GS‑07 (Developmental): Experience or Education • GS‑08 (Full Performance): Experience
In addition to the basic qualifications – 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.
Must demonstrate ALL of the Knowledge – Skills – and Abilities in your resume: • 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 • 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 • Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed • Knowledge of the 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: Minimum of 2 years experience as a registered x‑ray technician
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Qualifications This announcement is an Open Continuous Announcement and will remain open until all position(s) are filled. The first cut‑off will be October 27, 2025. Applications received after this will be sent to management every two weeks until the position(s) are fulfilled. 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.
Duties
In performing these duties – the incumbent is responsible for the following: Performs standard radiographic examinations of the head, trunk and extremities for diagnoses of illness and injuries with minimal to no assistance.
Receives patients and explains examinations to be performed – ensuring patients are properly attired and prepared before positioning patient for requested examination.
Performs procedures as defined by the equipment and scope of services – possibly including GI and small bowel series, cholecystograms, cholangiograms, urethorograms, barium and air contrast enemas, myelograms, arthrograms, venograms, DXA scans and contrast injections as it correlates to exam.
Can assist radiologist in fluoroscopic examinations which require incumbent to prepare and administer intravenous, oral, and/or rectal contrast media.
Fluoroscopic studies such as upper GI’s, barium enemas, esophagrams and small bowel follow through are performed on a digital fluoroscopy unit employing direct digital radiography.
Assists in training employees and student technologist – coordinates radiation safety – receives patients and explains procedures – prepares x‑ray room and equipment.
Performs portables – OR procedures – emergency room (triage) – and recovery room.
Maintains records of patients examined – and studies performed in the VISTA hospital information system and CPRS.
Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate these more urgent requirements.
Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards – if any – is possible.
Incumbent may be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs – recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Properly identifies patient images using left and right markers.
The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical.
Performs operator maintenance on equipment as required.
Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.
Performs quality control/assurance checks on studies performed to ensure that only optimally diagnostic images are forwarded to the radiologist(s) for interpretation.
Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients – staff and self.
This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead‑lined walls and collimation.
Film badges are worn by the technologists to assure compliance to radiation regulations.
The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the ALM VA Hospital and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.
Physical Requirements Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre‑placement examination.
Base Pay Range $52,429.00/yr – $93,507.00/yr
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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
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 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)
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.
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: • GS‑05 (Entry Level): None beyond the basic requirements • GS‑06 (Developmental): Experience • GS‑07 (Developmental): Experience or Education • GS‑08 (Full Performance): Experience
In addition to the basic qualifications – 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.
Must demonstrate ALL of the Knowledge – Skills – and Abilities in your resume: • 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 • 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 • Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed • Knowledge of the 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: Minimum of 2 years experience as a registered x‑ray technician
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Qualifications This announcement is an Open Continuous Announcement and will remain open until all position(s) are filled. The first cut‑off will be October 27, 2025. Applications received after this will be sent to management every two weeks until the position(s) are fulfilled. 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.
Duties
In performing these duties – the incumbent is responsible for the following: Performs standard radiographic examinations of the head, trunk and extremities for diagnoses of illness and injuries with minimal to no assistance.
Receives patients and explains examinations to be performed – ensuring patients are properly attired and prepared before positioning patient for requested examination.
Performs procedures as defined by the equipment and scope of services – possibly including GI and small bowel series, cholecystograms, cholangiograms, urethorograms, barium and air contrast enemas, myelograms, arthrograms, venograms, DXA scans and contrast injections as it correlates to exam.
Can assist radiologist in fluoroscopic examinations which require incumbent to prepare and administer intravenous, oral, and/or rectal contrast media.
Fluoroscopic studies such as upper GI’s, barium enemas, esophagrams and small bowel follow through are performed on a digital fluoroscopy unit employing direct digital radiography.
Assists in training employees and student technologist – coordinates radiation safety – receives patients and explains procedures – prepares x‑ray room and equipment.
Performs portables – OR procedures – emergency room (triage) – and recovery room.
Maintains records of patients examined – and studies performed in the VISTA hospital information system and CPRS.
Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate these more urgent requirements.
Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards – if any – is possible.
Incumbent may be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs – recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Properly identifies patient images using left and right markers.
The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical.
Performs operator maintenance on equipment as required.
Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.
Performs quality control/assurance checks on studies performed to ensure that only optimally diagnostic images are forwarded to the radiologist(s) for interpretation.
Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients – staff and self.
This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead‑lined walls and collimation.
Film badges are worn by the technologists to assure compliance to radiation regulations.
The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the ALM VA Hospital and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.
Physical Requirements Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre‑placement examination.
Base Pay Range $52,429.00/yr – $93,507.00/yr
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