Become a Key Partner in Veteran Care: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at the Fargo VA Health Care System

Few careers offer the profound sense of fulfillment that comes from supporting the physical well-being of military veterans. In the medical imaging field, diagnostic radiologic technologists play a vital role, providing the clear, clinical insights that physicians need to establish accurate diagnoses and life-saving treatments. The Fargo VA Health Care System is currently looking to add a talented, patient-centered Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) to its imaging department.

This position is structured as a GS-8 level role within the federal civil service. It offers a rare and incredibly attractive "7 days on, 7 days off" shift schedule that allows for unprecedented personal freedom, along with the unparalleled benefits package that comes with working for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Whether you are an experienced professional seeking career stability or an imaging specialist looking for a modern approach to work-life balance, this position represents a premiere career path in diagnostic services.

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About the Agency: Fargo VA Health Care System

The Fargo VA Health Care System (HCS) is a distinguished, high-performing facility dedicated to upholding President Lincoln’s historic promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. Proudly holding a 5-star rating for patient experience and cleanliness from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Fargo VA HCS operates as a premier medical and surgical hospital.

Comprehensive Regional Care Network

Serving more than 36,000 Veterans across North Dakota, northwestern Minnesota, and northeastern South Dakota, the health care system oversees approximately 300,000 outpatient visits annually. The network includes:

• An acute care medical/surgical hospital with 36 beds.
• A highly rated 38-bed Community Living Center (CLC).
• Primary care and specialty service clinics.
• 10 Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) to extend localized healthcare access.

A Culture of Excellence and Community

In addition to its clinical achievements, the Fargo VA HCS is actively affiliated with several prestigious colleges and universities. Most notably, it collaborates closely with the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, serving as a dynamic training site for medical students and resident physicians specializing in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Surgery.

Located in the vibrant, expanding Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, this facility offers employees the chance to live in a community celebrated for short commute times, affordable housing, excellent public safety, a flourishing arts scene, and rich educational resources. It is an ideal setting for professionals looking to plant roots and raise families.

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Job Responsibilities

As a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist working at the full-performance GS-8 level, you will work independently, utilizing highly advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. You will perform standard to highly complex diagnostic examinations to ensure the accurate assessment of various internal pathologies.

Key Clinical Duties and Responsibilities

• Advanced Imaging Acquisition: Independently execute complex diagnostic radiography, fluoroscopic x-rays, and specialized surgical fluoroscopy examinations.
• Patient Care & Safety Protocols: Monitor patient physiological changes during procedures, maintaining open communication with the radiologist. Administer contrast materials orally, rectally, or intravenously under medical direction, while actively recognizing and preventing potential adverse reactions.
• Workflow Management: Schedule appointments strategically to optimize scanner availability while preserving flexibility to accommodate sudden, life-threatening emergency procedures.
• System Quality Control: Verify calibration parameters, assess equipment operations, and adjust digital imaging systems (including computed radiography readers) to ensure exceptional digital image quality.
• Portable Imaging and Bone Density Appraisals: Conduct general bedside examinations using portable radiography units. Perform Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, analyze measurement accuracy, flag suspicious readings (such as critically low T-scores), and archive completed studies.
• Strict Infection and Radiation Safety: Practice sterile techniques, follow proper medical waste disposal guidelines, apply lead shielding, and use appropriate beam limitation to minimize radiation exposure to patients, colleagues, and yourself.

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Position Comparison: VA Careers vs. Private Sector

Understanding how a federal health care role compares to private-sector employment can assist you in making an informed career decision. Below is a comparative overview of this GS-8 position:

Feature	Fargo VA Health Care System (GS-8)	Standard Private Sector Imaging Role
Work Schedule	7 Days On, 7 Days Off (Rotational blocks of 10-12 hr shifts)	Standard 5-day workweeks, rotating on-call shifts, or unpredictable night/weekend rotations
Annual Leave	37 to 50 paid days off (including 11 federal holidays and sick leave)	Often starts at 15 to 20 days of combined Paid Time Off (PTO)
Retirement Plan	FERS Pension (vested at 5 years) + TSP 401(k) with 5% matching	401(k) match only (rarely includes a defined benefit pension plan)
Patient Mission	Dedicated exclusively to serving U.S. Military Veterans	Serves the general public, dealing with commercial insurance barriers
Career Stability	Highly secure federal position with transparent GS-grade progression	Subject to regional private network budgeting and restructuring

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Requirements

To ensure the safety, security, and high quality of care provided to our veterans, candidates must satisfy the following criteria prior to appointment:

• U.S. Citizenship: Priority is given to citizens of the United States. Non-citizens are only eligible under rare circumstances when no qualified citizens can be recruited.
• Professional Certification: Candidates must be fully certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT)(R). Candidates assigned to specialty services like CT, MRI, or mammography must hold advanced-level certifications.
• Educational Criteria: Completion of a 24-month (or equivalent) diagnostic radiologic technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or an accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education.
• English Language Fluency: Candidates must read, write, and speak English proficiently to meet communication standards for federal healthcare workers.
• Background Clearance: Candidates must pass a federal background check and a suitability investigation.
• Drug Screening: Selection is contingent upon passing a pre-employment urinalysis to screen for unauthorized drug use.
• Immunization Policy: All personnel must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program, or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption (individuals with exemptions must wear face masks during flu season).
• Trial Period: Successful candidates must serve a mandatory 1 to 2-year trial period to assess clinical fitness and professional conduct.

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Salary Overview

The financial compensation for this GS-8 position ranges from $62,289 to $80,972 per year.

This basic salary range is supplemented by regular, automatic step increases for employees who maintain acceptable performance ratings. When establishing starting pay, the VA hiring board has the authority to award a higher initial step rate for candidates who bring highly specialized skills, outstanding credentials, or extensive prior experience to the team, helping you earn a competitive market wage.

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Benefits

Working for the Veterans Health Administration provides a wealth of premium benefits that extend far beyond a basic paycheck. Key offerings include:

• Extensive Paid Time Off: Receive 37 to 50 days of paid leave annually. This contains 13 to 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Paid Parental Leave: After 12 months of continuous federal employment, employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave following the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Child Care Assistance: Eligible full-time employees with a household income below $144,000 may qualify for childcare subsidies of up to 25% of eligible expenses, capped at $416.66 per month.
• Dual-Component Retirement System: Build long-term security with the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension (fully vested after just 5 years) combined with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which features an automatic 1% agency contribution and up to an additional 4% matching contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Choose from a wide selection of federal health, vision, dental, life, and long-term care insurance programs. Crucially, many of these health insurance plans can be carried forward into your retirement.

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Application Tips

To ensure your application is successful, keep these key federal hiring practices in mind:

1. Do Not Limit Your Resume: Unlike private-sector resumes, federal CVs are expected to be highly detailed. Use the official one-page Clinical Resume Document template for the primary 'Resume' upload slot. Then, upload your full, multi-page CV into the 'Other' document slot to ensure your entire clinical history is thoroughly documented.
2. Address Every KSA Explicitly: Write specific responses to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed under the grade determinations. Highlight your understanding of PACS, contrast administration, radiation safety, and digital imaging systems. HR staff will not make assumptions regarding your capabilities.
3. Provide Valid Educational Proof: Submit complete, legible copies of your academic transcripts showing that your degree was awarded by an accredited institution. If you completed foreign education, you must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
4. Apply Early: Because this is an Open Continuous Announcement, the HR team will pull, review, and refer qualified applicants every two weeks. Applying early maximizes your chance of being selected before the final closing date on September 30, 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the GS-8 grade level mean for a Radiologic Technologist?

The GS-8 grade represents a full-performance level within the VA system. At this grade, technologists work with high autonomy, performing complex general and fluoroscopic exams independently, and only requiring oversight for highly unusual or exceptionally complex cases.

Can I receive credit for my previous non-federal work experience when calculating my annual leave accrual?

Yes. Selected candidates may request credit toward their annual leave accrual rate based on prior professional or military experience. This must be formally requested and approved before your official start date.

What is the primary focus of the clinical questionnaire?

The online questionnaire assesses your familiarity with system calibration, anatomical positioning, patient communication, and radiation safety protocols. Make sure your resume provides concrete details that support your answers to this questionnaire.

Are there opportunities to transition into other imaging specialties like CT or MRI?

Yes. The Fargo VA HCS is an educational affiliate that encourages continuous learning. Working inside the VA system makes it easier to transition into specialized roles as opportunities arise, provided you meet the required ARRT advanced certifications.

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If you are ready to transition into a career that offers exceptional work-life balance, top-tier federal benefits, and the deeply rewarding opportunity to serve America's Veterans, the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist position at the Fargo VA Health Care System is your ideal next step. Don't let this unique 7-on, 7-off career opportunity pass you by. Gather your certifications, update your federal resume using the official clinical template, and submit your application today!