Diagnostic Radiologic Tech (MRI)

The DRT(MRI) technologist operates an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner to acquire diagnostic images of patients to enable the diagnosis of disease and to guide patient management. The MRI technologist has primary responsibility to ensure that MRI safety principles are applied in the MRI environment and with patient care.

Major Duties include, but are not limited to:

Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties

• Receive patients, confirm patient identification, obtain patient history, provide patient education, provide reassurance and ensure patient comfort.
• Review exam requests for appropriateness before performing exams. Use appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, patient interview, chart review or contact with the ordering clinician to clarify as needed.
• Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize all of the MRI scanner times while maintaining a flexibility to allow for emergency cases. This requires the prioritization of scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the extreme emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc.
• Performs a wide variety of MRI/ MRA exams to include complex visualization of vessels and organs by utilizing 3D technology
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of MRI scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention.
• Perform the technical operations to acquire diagnostic MRI images--operate the MRI scanner controls and apply radio frequency coils and other associated devices and supplies.
• Establish venous access using a sheath-needle type angio-catheter employing sterile technique.
• Apply infection control practices, including knowledge of modes of transmission, levels of precautions and preventive measures.
• The incumbent reports to the Supervisor MIT (MRI)/MRI Safety Officer, who manages immediate operations such as workflow, work assignments, breaks and lunches, technical and MRI safety consultation, troubleshooting and other facets of operations management.
• Work assignments include data collection for performance improvement, equipment QC, exam tracking and audits and other administrative duties assigned by the Supervisor MIT (MRI)/MRI Safety Officer.
• The incumbent is responsible to perform work assignments with required accuracy and timeliness, and to solicit guidance and clarification as needed.

Work Schedule: 2:00PM - 10:30PM (Call and tours rotated as needed)

Remote: This is not a remote position
Telework: This is not a telework position
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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.

• 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).
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

.Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, the following criteria must be met to be minimally qualified:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-9 LEVEL: Completion of 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-8), that is directly related to the position to be filled and that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics needed to provide services as a diagnostic radiologic technologist.

Preferred Experience: 3 to 5 years of fulltime and direct MRI experience

Physical Requirements: Frequent standing, walking, grasping, carrying, reaching, bending, stooping and speaking. Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds. Frequent use of computer keyboard and phone. Precise control of power-assisted equipment and devices.

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/.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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.