Launch Your Career as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist with the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to those who have served our nation. As a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) at the St. Louis (John Cochran Division), you are a vital link in the diagnostic chain, ensuring our Veterans receive the high-quality, precise imaging required for effective medical treatment. This is a rewarding career path for professionals dedicated to both clinical excellence and compassionate service.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will work directly under the supervision of physicians to perform a variety of imaging duties. Responsibilities include:
- Imaging Operations: Operating fixed and mobile radiographic equipment to produce high-quality diagnostic images.
- Patient Coordination: Preparing patients for examinations, explaining procedures, and ensuring patient comfort and safety.
- Clinical Support: Interpreting complex physician requests and consulting with radiologic experts when needed.
- Quality Control: Maintaining calibration standards and ensuring correct exposure settings for every study.
- Documentation: Managing clinical records and ensuring images are properly configured and verified.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Certification: Must possess current ARRT certification in Radiography.
- Education: A minimum of 24 months of formal training in an accredited diagnostic radiologic technology program.
- Legal: Must be a U.S. citizen and able to pass a security background check and a pre-employment drug screening.
- Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Salary Overview
| Grade | Salary Range (Annual) |
|---|---|
| GS-08 | $63,334 – $112,944 |
Benefits of Working at the VA
Choosing a career with the VA offers more than just a paycheck. Employees receive a robust federal benefits package:
- Insurance: Access to top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement: Dual-layered retirement savings with a traditional pension and a 401(k) plan with employer matching.
- Leave: Generous leave accrual, starting with significant annual and sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
- Work-Life Balance: Access to child care subsidies and paid parental leave after one year of service.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Clearly define your experience in your resume—do not leave the recruiters guessing about your clinical background.
- Use the Template: Download the specific Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA to ensure your application meets all technical standards.
- Double-Check: Before hitting submit, verify that all supporting documents—including your ARRT license and transcripts—are attached.
Serving as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at the VA St. Louis is more than a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have served our country. With a competitive salary, excellent federal benefits, and a clear purpose, this role offers a stable and fulfilling career trajectory. Apply today to help us continue our mission of providing compassionate care.
Why This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Job Matters
Join the VA St. Louis team and provide life-changing diagnostic imaging support to our nation’s heroes. We are looking for dedicated Radiologic Technologists to help us deliver excellence in Veteran care.
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking skilled Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists to join the VA St. Louis (John Cochran Division). In this vital role, you will perform specialized diagnostic imaging procedures, ensuring high-quality support for our physicians and patients. If you are passionate about patient care and possess the required American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) certification, we invite you to contribute your expertise to a team committed to those who have served.
Requirements for Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT)
- Completion of a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program (at least 24 months duration)
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening
- Must be able to pass a background and security investigation
- Commitment to annual seasonal influenza vaccination or authorized exemption
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
- Two years of hospital-based radiology experience
- Proficiency in GI procedures and OR/C-arm operation
- Experience with inpatient and portable imaging
- Advanced ARRT certification in specialized modalities like CT or MRI
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive salary with regular increases
- âś“Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually
- âś“11 paid Federal holidays
- âś“Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans
- âś“Federal retirement benefits including a pension and a 401(k)-style plan with 5% matching
- âś“Paid parental leave for eligible employees
- âś“Child care subsidy for eligible full-time employees
đź’ˇ How to Apply Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Job
- Prepare your resume and supporting documentation, including ARRT certification and academic transcripts.
- Visit the online application portal via USAJobs.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
- Upload the required standard Clinical Resume Document as instructed.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience level.
- Ensure your ARRT certification is current and clearly documented.
- Double-check that all required documents, including SF-50s if you are a federal employee, are uploaded before submitting.
- Use the provided standard resume template link to ensure your application meets all formatting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at the VA?
You will operate fixed and mobile radiology equipment, interpret physician requests, administer contrast materials, and ensure high-quality imaging studies to assist in medical diagnosis.
Is a specific certification required for this position?
Yes. All applicants must hold a current certification in general radiologic technology from the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT).
Are there opportunities for sign-on bonuses?
At this time, recruitment incentives or sign-on bonuses are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What is the work schedule for this position?
The schedule varies between weekday shifts (8:00 am - 4:30 pm) and evening shifts (2:00 pm - 12:00 am) depending on service needs.
Can I apply if I am not currently a VA employee?
Yes, this position is open to the public as well as internal federal candidates.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to millions of Veterans, the VA relies on a diverse team of medical professionals. Joining the St. Louis VA means becoming part of a supportive environment that prioritizes professional development, work-life balance, and, most importantly, the mission to honor and care for our country’s heroes.