Qualifications

**This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT & will remain open until 7/1/2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 16, 2026. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.**

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 & 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)
• 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 & 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)
• Exception for Non-Certified: Entry Level Candidates
• 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
• 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
• Assignment: DRTs at this level operate & monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision
• The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity
• Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, & unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help
• Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area
• Such duties are performed under closer supervision
• 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
• 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 & exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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
• 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
• 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 and/or general radiologic technology services
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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 & fluoroscopic procedures
• Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers & Digital Imaging systems
• Knowledge of PACS & 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
• 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure & keep the radiologist informed
• Skill in using tact, diplomacy, & courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, & volunteers
• Knowledge of anatomy & physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, & 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/.