Department of Veterans Affairs

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General)

Seattle, Washington Full time

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General)

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Seattle, Washington

Salary Range: $61139 - $109041 Per Year

Job Summary: This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Major Duties:

  • NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Independently performs routine and STAT radiographs, portable radiographs, fluoroscopy, and OR C-arm imaging under the direction of Radiologists. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into system. Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist for the purpose of performing Fluoroscopy exams requiring injectable solutions and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. The radiographer must know the effects and adverse reactions of the contrast materials. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality; therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it. Accurately utilizes PACS for acquisition, transmission, storage, and review of images, performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the Radiologist. Has knowledge of and performs Quality Control procedures, with supervision, which may include (but not limited to) the following: Reject/repeat image analysis, Lead apron inspection. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients and staff while applying elements of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle. Dosimeters are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance to radiation regulations. Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as pertains to the examination being performed. Explains to patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure. Explains examinations to be performed to patients so they understand the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients, so they are thoroughly understood. Properly identifies patient with at least 2 full patient identifiers in accordance with VAPSHCS policy, confirms identity on order, properly identifies and annotates pertinent information on patient images and utilizes L(eft) and R(ight) lead markers. Identifies system errors and work with the Supervisor, Chief Technologist and BioMed/HTM department to facilitate the effective and timely service of radiographic equipment. Ensures productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible. Participates equally in on-call and holiday schedule rotations, providing adequate and essential hospital coverage, 24 hours per day/7 days per week. May be required to provide occasional coverage at other campuses within VAPSHCS. Assists in maintaining inventory of supplies, monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance and notify supervisor of low-level supplies in a timely manner. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: 9AM - 5:30PM, Monday - Friday Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHAEDRPProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined 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 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. Functional Statement #: 00000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications: To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. 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 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: 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 (KSAs). 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. 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: (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. 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: (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 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: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over), moderate carrying (15 -44 lbs.), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, walking, prolonged standing (includes the use of lead protective wear), both legs, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes, depth perception, hearing (aid may be permitted), mental and emotional stability. Environmental factors include working closely with others, working alone, protracted or irregular hours of work, exposure to ionizing radiation, and exposure to bodily fluids.

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 11/17/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12828508. 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: 2025-11-17