Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adheres to safety standards while using MRI equipment for the protection of patients, employees and contractors.
• Deviates equipment use or procedures and techniques in the event of mechanical failure to any part of equipment.
• Utilizes skeletal, vascular, neurological, trans-sectional anatomy, physiology and cross-sectional anatomy such as the location and appearance of abnormalities which are illustrated by general diagnostic/MRI scanning;
• Utilizes techniques pertinent to general diagnostic/MRI to ensure high resolution scans, tissue volume to be scanned plus thickness of cuts.
• Will interpret radiology requests and patient chart information, and correlate information with patients' current physical status, relating information as indicated.
• Utilizes basic psychology for handling patients in all phases of general diagnostic/MRI including critical care, trauma, apprehensive, and disoriented patients, and to cope with patient's families.
• Performs first-aid procedures for seizures, cardiac arrest, anaphylactic shock, and contrast reactions.
• Performs duties relative to radiology aseptic and/or sterile procedures, and decontamination procedures in the event of a contaminated field, room and or an isolation patient.
• Utilizes basic physics, electrical supply, power, and proper functioning of equipment to include non-ferrous equipment to troubleshoot equipment.
• Utilizes general diagnostic/MRI technical exposure factors and programming, and reviews images for quality control determinations by checking density, contrast, distortion and other varying factors.
• Exhibits the working knowledge of DHCP/CPRS applications and protects computer data or safety sensitive information from unauthorized users.
• Technologist is required to maintain a current knowledge of new developments in MRI/general diagnostic. Performs more complex exams and acts as a contact point for another technologist when performing complex examinations.
• Communicate with radiologist about special needs/request and determine best course of action.
• Is Level II MRI safety trained.
• Optimize use of the MRI scanner and maintain flexibility to allow for emergency cases. This requires prioritization for scheduled patients as well as accommodating the extreme emergency patient who may need immediate treatment.
• Maintains a professional working relationship with radiology staff and staff from other services. E
• Prepares contrast materials which are used in MRI and general diagnostic studies. I
• Determine if patient needs lab test. Interpret lab results to ensure injection of contrast is safe for the patient. M
• The environment involves risks associated with radiology service and the normal hospital setting exposures. Work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks or discomforts typical of clinical areas, offices, and meeting rooms. This requires employees to observe special safety precautions and complete annual training associated with these risks.
• The individual will be at a heightened risk to strong magnetic fields. The environment includes teamwork with various teaching modalities.
• All other duties assigned

Work Schedule: Evening Shift; 3:00p.m. - 11:00 p.m.; Rotating call and Holiday call
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 52733-A
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.

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:

• English Language Proficiency: Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.
• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education: 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).
  • NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.
  • NOTE: A valid copy of transcripts that show a conferred date is required when submitting application
• Certification: 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.
  • NOTE: A valid copy of certification is required when submitting application

Grade Determinations:

GS-9 DRT-MRI (Above Full Performance)

Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-8 level.

• DRTs at the GS-8 grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. DRTs at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues.

GS-9 DRT-MRI- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: At this level, candidates must also demonstrate the following assignment specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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; and
• Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients

Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of MRI experience.

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

This announcement is above the full performance level, listed at the GS 9 grade level. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS 9

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles. Some pushing and pulling. Patients sometimes are assisted to achieve proper positioning which may require reaching or work in strained positions. Reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required), prolonged walking, prolonged standing, repeated bending, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20, ability to distinguish basic colors, speed in working, and emotional stability. Must be able to work in a Magnetic environment. English Language Proficiency.

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/.

• *Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.*
• 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 (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 evaluation/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.