Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - CT

Summary The incumbent is responsible for preparing and positioning patients for CT examinations, providing clear instructions, and ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure. This includes screening patients for contraindications, applying proper radiation safety measures, and adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles to minimize radiation exposure.

Duties

Major duties includes but not limited to:

• The CT Technologist balances the needs of patients and staff while performing a wide range of complex scans and procedures. The technologist demonstrates appropriate techniques to gather relevant clinical information from the medical record, significant others, and healthcare providers, and assesses factors that may contraindicate a procedure. They maintain current knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous skills, and universal precautions, and are knowledgeable in all aspects of pre­procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. The technologist is highly skilled in cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral and multi-slice computed tomography, including three­ dimensional reconstruction scans, drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations.
• The technologist has specialized training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor body systems as visualized by radiologic imaging. They accurately interpret examination requests and understand the interrelationship and function of the organs involved. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the technologist identifies organs and structures on digital displays and ensures that the images produced are of diagnostic quality, emphasizing areas of particular interest to the physician.
• Operating under the direction of a radiologist, the CT Technologist performs technical diagnostic work, including the operation of computerized radiology and imaging equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. They receive and interpret requests or instructions for procedures from physicians, seeking assistance from supervisors or higher graded technologists when uncommon or new procedures are required. The technologist independently interprets and carries out the most difficult requests and may oversee the work of lower-grade technologists to accommodate departmental requests.
• The technologist performs computed axial tomography (CT) scanning of the head and body to conduct a variety of complex diagnostic examinations and is familiar with CT cross-sectional anatomy, technical factors, and the recognition of abnormalities and masses, including their location, consistency, and relationship to adjacent structures. They maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field and function as an expert regarding software and hardware capabilities, advising radiologists on available pulse sequences and acquisition parameters to produce optimal images and maximize efficiency.
• The technologist assists with invasive studies, including needle localizations, biopsy procedures, and CT angiography. They monitor and maintain emergency equipment, including crash carts, oxygen, and suction apparatus, and assist emergency teams as needed. The technologist selects and sets technical factors for difficult examinations, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment, and ensures contrast materials and necessary supplies are available. They obtain and monitor vital signs, notifying the radiologist of significant changes and are competent in administering first aid and basic life support as indicated.
• The CT Technologist is responsible for furthering the goals of equal opportunity by adhering to nondiscriminatory employment practices in all aspects of their work. They plan and carry out the procedures necessary to complete assignments, handling problems and correcting errors in accordance with established protocols. The technologist performs a variety of general diagnostic radiologic procedures, utilizing computed, digital, and direct radiography and imaging network (PACS) equipment for both routine and complex examinations, including portable and bedside imaging as needed.
• The technologist ensures proper patient and image identification, reviews requests for technical soundness and accuracy, and uses appropriate markers and identifiers throughout the imaging process. They set technical factors for complex radiographic examinations, prepare and administer contrast materials under the direction of a radiologist, and maintain competency in venipuncture and point-of-care testing as directed.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 1300-2130

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #:10895F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedQualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.)
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).
• 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 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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.]
• Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.(2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.(3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry.
• Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Technologist GS-09 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08 directly related to the position being filled.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated.

i . *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.

ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.

iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.

iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.

v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.

vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Preferred Experience: The preferred candidate for a CT Technologist should have an advance CT registry with ARRT and a minimum of 1 year of CT experience. Additionally, must possess a current BLS certification to ensure preparedness for emergency situations and safe patient care.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: Must perform the essential functions of the job considering visual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers. Must be able to perform duties outlined in the Series Qualification Standards. Must meet CDC vaccination recommendations for public safety, and occupational exposures to infectious diseases and applicable regulations for which vaccinations will be offered to employees.Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Requirements

• You 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 examination.
• 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.

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.How you will be evaluated IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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 11/20/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13114594.

• 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. Other information Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.