Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

Performs all aspects of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, including but not limited to Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, Extremities, MR Angiography, MR Venography, and MR cardiac 75% of the time. Incumbent operates Conventional and Mobile radiographic equipment and PACS 25% of the time.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Performs MRI Exams: Conducts a range of simple to advanced MRI procedures (Brain, Cardiac, MSK, etc.) with and without contrast, following prescribed protocols and radiologist instructions.
• Ensures Patient Safety: Screens patients for metallic implants or other contraindications, explains procedures, ensures patient comfort, and monitors them for unusual reactions or complications.
• Operates Equipment: Uses complex MRI scanners and related computerized imaging equipment, adhering to established safety protocols and operating procedures.
• Manages Contrast Media: Prepares and administers contrast material and other medications as directed, after reviewing patient allergies, lab results, and renal function.
• Maintains Image Quality: Controls technical factors, monitors exam results, and performs quality assurance checks on images before transmitting them to the PACS network.
• Handles Patient Information: Verifies patient identity and information, accurately documents all relevant data, and manages records, both in a computer system and during downtime procedures.
• Coordinates Workflow: Manages patient scheduling, transport, and overall workflow to maximize efficiency and accommodate emergency cases.
• Maintains Work Environment: Ensures the MRI suite and equipment are clean, well-stocked, and disinfected according to infection control standards.
• Performs Interventional Tasks: Prepares sterile equipment and assists radiologists with interventional procedures as needed.
• Addresses Equipment Issues: Promptly reports any equipment malfunctions to appropriate personnel.
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of patient logbooks registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system.
• Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur.
• Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible.
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of angiography and computerized tomography.
• Incumbent will also use the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) to access information in the Medical Center Computer System and the hospital Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) System for patient information storage.
• Incumbent is to protect the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion.
• Incumbent is also responsible to follow applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc.

Work Schedule: variable to include on call weekends and holidays
Compressed/Flexible: Not authorized
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI); 82076F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Applicants must meet qualifications at time of application.

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 and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)
• Certification-Documentation Submitted. 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-Documentation/Transcripts Submitted. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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)

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:GS-9

Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

AND

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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 and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

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

Preferred Experience: 5 years MRI DRT experience

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements:

• The incumbent must be in overall good health, able to sit at a desk working at a computer, engage in light to moderate physical activity including sitting, walking, bending, and carrying supplies. The incumbent must be able to perform primarily light and sedentary duties with occasionally moderate physical demands with reasonable accommodation, if necessary, without endangering the health and safety of others.
• Position requires walking throughout the clinic and/or Medical Center, standing for
  extended periods of time, and involves sitting at a computer and in counsel and
  consultation with Veterans and interdisciplinary teams.
• Position may require minimal travel.

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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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.