Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Durham, North Carolina

Salary Range: $67496 - $107979 Per Year

Job Summary: The Durham VAMC seeks one Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT).

Major Duties:

• The DRT performs the full spectrum of radiographic and fluoroscopic examinations. Duties include but are not limited to: Receives patients, explains method of procedure and obtains signed consents for examinations with contrast media. Responsible for proper positioning of patients. Prior to exposure selects and sets technical factors. Sets up and adjust: accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedures. Performs procedures such as fluoroscopy, gastrointestinal examinations, conventional plain film radiography, tomography, ERCP, myelography, fluoroscopic guided, interventional procedures, portable radiography, computed radiography (CR), digital radiography, and operating room radiography. Supports radiologists and clinicians in the performance of these exams; anticipates imaging, and equipment needs before and during the procedure, follows the progress of the procedure and facilitates an efficient flow. Performs examinations of head, trunk and extremities for routine physical examinations and for diagnosis of illness or of injuries of accident victims. Performs radiographic procedures using the proper exposure techniques, including manual and photo timed exposures. These exams are performed using exposure tables, intensifying screens, buckies, collimators, filters, grids, and other technical aids to produce radiographic images of diagnostic quality with the minimum of retakes. Processes film plates using the CR system. Performs quality control of the images, assessing for proper exposure, positioning and annotation. Applies CR post-processing techniques such as window and leveling, edge enhancement, brightness and annotation corrections as necessary before routing images to printer, workstation or archive. Sets up the x-ray room assuring sterile supplies, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out. Prepares and administers contrast material orally, by enema, or intravenously under radiologist supervision. Monitors patient's vital signs during these examinations and initiates the appropriate response for varying levels of adverse contrast reactions. Works independently, without a supervisor, when working tours in the evenings, nights, weekends or holidays. Coordinates workflow with other technical team members. Interacts with supervisory and regular staff from other departments. Responsible for making on the spot decisions regarding patient care and procedures. VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule:8:30 am - 5:00 pm, 9:30am-6:00pm, 10;30am-7:00pm Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for 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 the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. 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 total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Qualifications: 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. 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). 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-6 1. 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. (2) Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs, performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards. They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions GS-7 1. 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. (2) Assignment. DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology 8 and/or general radiologic technology services. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. (c) 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. (d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills GS-8 (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. (2) Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified 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. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. (f) 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, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 6 to 8. Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles such as film cassettes for rapid film changers. Patients sometimes are assisted to achieve proper positioning which may require reaching or work in strained positions. The work area is well lighted, heated, and ventilated. Special safety precautions are required to reduce exposure to x-rays. These include using minimum current settings in the x-ray machine and never operating the machine except from behind a protective screen or when wearing protective clothing such as a lead apron.

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 03/12/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12898467. 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: 2026-03-12