Diag Rad Tech (MRI)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora, CO.

The role focuses on MRI procedures within Imaging Service, requiring ARRT certification and advanced credentials as applicable. The incumbent will operate independently in specialized radiologic technology areas with patient safety and quality care as priorities, under VA guidelines.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required; non-citizens only per VA policy.
• ARRT certification in Radiography (R); advanced ARRT for MRI/CT where applicable.
• Education: completion of a 24+ month radiologic technology program evidenced by a certificate or associate degree; JRCERT or DOE-recognized.

Skills

Patient safety

Clinical information gathering

Contraindication assessment

First aid & life support

Physical assessment & sterile/IV skill

Education

24-month radiologic technology program (certificate/associate) accredited by JRCERT/DOE

Tools

ARRT Certification (R)

Job description

This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (ADRT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is assigned to the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center (RMRVAMC), Imaging Service; MRI Section within the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) in Aurora, Colorado. RMRVAMC is a complex level 1A1 Medical Center which provides a full range of state-of-the-art patient care services to include a 182-bed hospital with a 30-bed spinal cord injury and disorders service. 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. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.
• For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified.
• 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).]

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-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. GS-8 is the next lower level. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates 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.

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.

Reference:

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

This position is above full performance level at 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).