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), MRI, or Mammography (M) duties performed independently.
- 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, technologists without it 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 (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an 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 (applicable to current VHA employees in this occupation who meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
To meet the requirements for the GS-09 grade level, the candidate must possess at least 1 year of experience comparable to the GS-08 level, demonstrating the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Additional KSAs include the ability to balance patient and staff needs during complex scans, knowledge of gathering relevant information, assessing contraindications, and proficiency in basic first aid, life support, physical assessment, aseptic techniques, and patient care before, during, and after procedures.
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, visual and hearing requirements, emotional and mental stability.
Duties
- The MRI Technologist performs daily inspection and operation of the MRI scanner under supervision, working independently to perform MRI procedures.
- Performs diagnostic MRI exams (head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, extremities), MRA's, and MR-guided procedures (biopsies).
- Establishes IV access and administers IV contrast, observing for adverse reactions and responding accordingly.
- 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 safety practices.
- Follows written protocols and radiologist instructions, adhering to safety and infection control policies.
- Responsible for equipment cleaning and decontamination, patient flow management, and maintaining operational efficiency.
- Works varied 10-hour shifts, including weekends; schedule subject to change.
- Recruitment Incentive: Authorized.