Summary
The VA Columbia South Carolina HealthCare System is seeking a full-time Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) for the VA Medical Center in South Carolina. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2025.
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 and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT) (R) (MR).
- 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 passed the designated examination.
- In modalities that require advanced certification, technologists without it may receive on-the-job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.
- Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree accredited by JRCERT or other recognized agencies.
May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations
To meet the requirements for GS-09, the candidate must have at least 1 year of experience comparable to GS-08, demonstrating the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while performing complex scans and procedures.
- Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from medical records, significant others, and healthcare providers.
- Ability to assess contraindications to procedures.
- Knowledge of basic first aid and life support practices related to radiography.
- Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods, and universal precautions.
- Knowledge of pre-, intra-, and post-procedural patient care.
References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.
Physical Requirements
- Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking 6 hours, standing 8 hours.
- Specific visual requirement: Ability to read typewritten characters with or without glasses.
- Specific hearing requirements: Ability to hear conversational voice with or without hearing aid.
- Emotional and mental stability.
Duties
- The MRI Technologist performs daily inspection and operates the MRI scanner under supervision, working independently to perform MRI procedures.
- Performs diagnostic MRI exams (head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, extremities), MR angiograms, and MR-guided procedures (biopsies).
- Establishes IV access and administers IV contrast, monitoring for adverse reactions.
- Discusses exams deviating from normal protocols with radiologists.
- Ensures patient care, quality control, and compliance with SOPs.
- Works with supervisors to ensure effective screening, quality control, and MR safety practices.
- Follows written protocols and radiologist instructions.
- Adheres to safety, infection control, and equipment decontamination procedures.
- Manages patient flow in the MRI suite to optimize efficiency and limit wait times.
- Works varied 10-hour shifts, including weekends; schedule subject to change.
- Recruitment Incentive: Authorized.