Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR)

Job Details

Position Overview

Duties

• 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. They determine the need to call for repair and or/maintenance of equipment by notifying defects or deficiencies to the Chief Technologist/Administrative Officer or designee.
• Daily 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.
• The incumbent will utilize 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. Incumbent functions with all types of personnel as a team member and to think and act independently under extreme pressure.
• The incumbent performs first-aid procedures for seizures, cardiac arrest, anaphylactic shock, and contrast reactions. Incumbent 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.
• Incumbent 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.
• Utilize computers as related to general diagnostic/MRI scanning, maintenance of workstation computer files, daily QA and calibration procedures, limited preventive maintenance to general diagnostic/MRI scanning unit and computer components for emergency trouble shooting.
• Performs basic computer operations including keyboard inputs, purpose, and functions, or computer programs needed to carry out other job duties. Utilizes available resources to ensure safety of hardware, implants, and devices.
• 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.
• Screens patients and staff before entering scan room. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the medical center and service, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Will utilize MRI emergency response actions including code blue, rapid response, code magenta, behavioral, and fire drill as needed. Participates in the MRI safety committee to make sure the facility adherers to VHA policy and Joint Commission guidelines for MRI safety.
• Properly identifies patients by adhering to medical center policies and archiving correct patient identifiers in the PAC System. Responsible to explain exams to patients and verify that the patient understands what is to be done and any hazard involved.
• Optimize use of the MRI scanner and maintain flexibility to allow for emergency cases. Employs interpersonal skills in everyday functions to provide timely and accurate patient care.
• Determine if patient needs lab test. Interpret lab results to ensure injection of contrast is safe for the patient.
• Responsible to assuring that the MRI area is properly stocked of supplies and related material.
• Responsible for reconstructing, archiving, and recording images on computer disc (CD) if needed.

Qualifications & 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. 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. (CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)
• 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). (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

• *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.

Education

Requirements

• 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 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.

Evaluations

1. Current Permanent VA Employees of the Facility
2. All other VA employees
3. All other applicants

Required Documents

• Clinical Applicant Resume/CV
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

• Job title and Duties
• Month & year, start/end dated (e.g. June 2020 to April 2021)
• Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
• Series and Grade, if applicable

• If you are a current federal employee, you must attach your most recent, non-award SF-50.
• This SF-50 should not be more than a year old and must show your current position, grade and step. Award SF-50's typically do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted if they do not include Grade and Step.
• In order to clearly demonstrate you possess the time-in-grade as required by the announcement, additional SF-50s should be attached which clearly demonstrate the minimum time-in-grade requirement.

• Within grade increases at the highest grade held
• Promotions with an effective date more than one year old
• SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Clinical Applicant Resume/CV
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

How to Apply

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.