Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 66,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in El Paso, TX, seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) in the Radiology Service to join the EPVAHCS MRI section. The role requires ARRT MRI certification and post-high school radiologic technology training, with emphasis on patient care and complex MRI procedures.

The incumbent will operate independently, adhere to credentialing standards, and provide high-quality imaging in an outpatient setting, supporting multiple modalities within Radiology.

Qualifications

• Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in diagnostic radiologic technology
• ARRT certification in Radiography; advanced ARRT certification required for MRI
• English language proficiency required by policy
• Credentialing standards per 42 CFR Part 75 and DOE recognition
• Grandfathering provision applies to current VHA employees in this occupation

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic MRI procedures with demonstrated clinical competency
• Balance patient care needs while executing complex MRI scans
• Gather relevant information from medical records and health care providers
• Assess factors that may contraindicate a procedure and ensure patient safety
• Conduct pre-, intra-, and post-procedural care and follow universal precautions
• Perform regular quality control scans and measurements as indicated by MRI vendor

Skills

MRI

Clinical radiologic competency

Patient prioritization

Complex MRI scans

Education

Associate degree in Radiologic Technology

Certificate in Radiologic Technology

JRCERT accreditation awareness

Tools

ARRT Certification (MRI)

ARRT Certification (Radiography)

Job description

This Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), position is assigned to the El Paso Veterans Affairs Health Care Services (EPVAHCS), Radiology Service, Magnetic Resonance section within the El Paso VA. The El Paso VA Radiology Department is an outpatient clinic with Diagnostic Radiological Exams in multiple modalities.

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.
• 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).]
• 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 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 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.
• Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation.

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

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) , GS-09: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
  1. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.*
  2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
  3. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.*
  4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
  5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
  6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Preferred Experience

• Two or more years stand alone setting/clinic
• Two or more years in a hospital setting
• Performs regularly scheduled quality control scans and measurements as indicated by MRI vendor

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-09.

Physical Requirements

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.