Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center is seeking an Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) for its Long Beach facility. This position involves performing complex imaging procedures, ensuring safety, and maintaining exceptional patient care standards. Candidates must possess ARRT certification and have a comprehensive understanding of radiologic technologies.

Benefits

Continuing education and on-the-job training

Comprehensive health benefits

Veteran-specific resources and support

Qualifications

• Certification in general radiologic technology by the ARRT required.
• English language proficiency required for DRTs.

Responsibilities

• Perform MRI and general diagnostic procedures with high competency.
• Prepare and administer contrast media under the direction of the radiologist.
• Assist patients safely onto MRI scan table and explain procedures.

Skills

Knowledge of radiation protection standards

Ability to utilize advanced imaging software

Knowledge of basic physics

Knowledge and skill in positioning patients

Education

Completion of a full-time training course in diagnostic radiologic technology

Job description

The Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center in Long Beach, CA is looking for one (1) Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI).
Duties

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 2, 2025. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be June 16, 2025, with subsequent cut-off dates for referral on the 1st and 15th of each month.

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

https://vacareers.va.gov/employment-benefits/

Major duties included but not limited to:

Requirements

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. [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), and7407(d)

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations:
GS-10: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:

• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
• Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.]

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Preferred Experience: Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy, physiology, gross pathology, medical terminology, and radiologic patient positioning. Demonstrates competency and proficiency in all MRI examinations and proficiency in the use of MRI equipment and accessories. Able to explain procedures to patient in a manner that will gain cooperation and understanding to reduce anxiety. Transfer patient to MRI scan table by utilizing safe patient handling techniques. Must be able to work independently in performing and determining technical factors, positioning, scanning parameter selections, slice thickness, protocol adjustment, etc., to produce high quality MR images. Prepares and administers contrast media, under the direction of the radiologist. Follows prescribing protocols according to requested exam, contrast type, body weight, pathology and according to policy. Follows Infection Control practices during IV insertions, maintains competencies in obtaining IV access, and contrast administration.

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements: Physical demands are usually moderate: Lifting objects up to 40 pounds, moving specialized equipment and assisting patients from gurney or wheelchair to a procedure or scan table. Occasionally, the technician assists with moving large patients, but this is done with the assistance of other personnel, or the use of patient lifts, or other safe patient handling equipment to minimize danger to employee and the patient.