Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist MRI

Independently performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head neck spine chest body and extremities. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. Evaluates critical and emergency procedures and rearranges schedule to accommodate the situation. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. Duties may include but not limited to:

• Employee understands and complies with the laws regulations and industry standards which apply to their job functions and performs those functions with the highest standards of business integrity. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs and reducing costs
• Schedules exams in a manner to optimize procedural scan times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the aptitude to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery etc.
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of nonstandard exams that do not conform to established standard protocols. Determines technical factors positioning etc. to produce a high-quality diagnostic study. Notifies the physician of scans requiring their immediate attention.
• Performs routine and advanced neurological and angiographic studies of the head neck spine chest body and extremities utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as the MRI unit patient monitors PACS etc. to achieve a high-quality diagnostic study.
• Works with the radiologist and/or other healthcare professional as a member of the radiographic team with the responsibility for anticipating technique factor difficulties preparation of contrast etc. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the professional staff during the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert regarding the patients condition supplies and instrument requirements to assure that all preventive measures have been taken to minimize hazards associated with the procedure. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on appropriate disposal of sharps; proper attire; hand washing practices and continuing education.
• Prepares contrast materials for required procedures. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials runs the risk of patient mortality. Therefore it is essential that those who prepare and administer contrast materials possess a thorough understanding of its usage and contraindications. This requires continual alertness to the patients condition and other disorders. The alertness is essential for the recognition of potential patient reactions. Reactions require an immediate response to minimize harm and ensure patient safety. Therefore CPR certification and demonstrated venipuncture competency is a requirement for this position.
• Practices radiation safety (ALARA) to reduce exposure to the patients employee staff and others. Reducing exposure time increasing distance and utilizing shielding (i.e. lead aprons lead gloves lead shields lead lined walls and collimation) will ensure compliance and minimize radiation exposure. Responsible for wearing film badges in compliance with radiation regulations.
• Performs advanced image manipulations on workstations as directed by the radiologist healthcare professional or standard operation protocol.
• Maintains accurate records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes maintenance of patient registration and editing of patient exams documentation within the radiographic modality Vista CPRS (i.e. electronic educational progress notes etc.) and other required quality assurance records.

• 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 ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued dentification 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.

• 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.

Qualifications

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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation which may also result in termination of employment.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d)

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
• Assignments: All assignments above the full performance level the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level clinical instruction and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge skills and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs :

• Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record significant others and health care providers.
• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
• Knowledge of physical assessment aseptic techniques intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
• Knowledge of pre-procedural procedural and post-procedural care of patients.