Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Federal health/vision/dental insurance

Traditional federal pension

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Corpus Christi is seeking a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist to perform MRI examinations and manage patient care effectively. You will work independently with advanced imaging procedures and collaborate with radiologists on complex examinations.

This role requires an ARRT certification, a 24-month accredited training course, and relevant experience in radiologic technology. The position offers competitive compensation and generous paid time off, emphasizing patient safety and quality care practices.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen; non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Four or more years of creditable experience as a general radiographer is preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in the MRI field is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform MRI examinations and maintain equipment supplies.
• Collaborate with radiologists to ensure patient safety.
• Conduct quality-control scans and ensure accurate patient imaging.

Skills

MRI imaging techniques

Patient care

Aseptic techniques

Basic first aid

Technical knowledge of radiography

Education

Completion of 24-month post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program

ARRT certification in Radiography

Advanced ARRT certification for MRI

Tools

Siemens MRI equipment

Job description

Summary

Employees at this grade level are required to provide services in specialized and complex areas of radiologic technology and/or general diagnostic radiology services for Diagnostic Imaging Service. The incumbent performs magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations on all body regions – including complex procedures with multiplanar reformations, 3‑dimensional reconstructions, dynamic contrast imaging, body MRI and MRI angiography.

Qualifications

• 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).
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include MRI duties performed independently.
• Education: Completion of a full‑time training course of at least 24 months in a post‑high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree accredited by JRCERT or other recognized accrediting agencies.
• 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: May apply to current VHA employees who meet the criteria.
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist – GS‑9 Experience.
• Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to this position, demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
• Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently.
• DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic quality‑management duties.
• Assignments must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities required at this level.
• The candidate must demonstrate the technical KSAs listed below and the potential to acquire assignment‑specific KSAs indicated by an asterisk.
• KSAs:
  • Balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans and procedures.
  • Gather relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
  • Assess factors that may contraindicate a procedure.
  • Basic first aid and life support practices related to radiography.
  • Understand physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods, and universal precautions.
  • Care of patients pre‑, intra‑ and post‑procedure.
• Preferred Experience:
  • Four or more years of creditable experience as a general radiographer.
  • Two or more years of creditable experience in the MRI advanced certification area.
  • Experience using Siemens MRI equipment.
• Physical Requirements: Typical for the occupation; no pre‑placement examination required.

Duties

• Ensure adequate quantities of MRI supplies are available to meet workload demands.
• Maintain stock of supplies in MRI scan rooms, with special attention to emergency equipment.
• Perform MRI examinations of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body with and without contrast.
• Apply aseptic techniques and use personal protective equipment during all exams.
• Prepare and administer contrast materials, with knowledge of their effects and reactions.
• Anticipate and respond to patient conditions and equipment interactions, maintaining a sterile field and patient safety.
• Collaborate with radiologists as part of the radiographic team, assisting and anticipating their needs.
• Practice MRI safety procedures to prevent incidents, including patient and employee screening before entering the MRI environment.
• Participate in quality‑assurance activities as directed by the medical center.
• Perform image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the radiologist or for specific studies.
• Maintain records and files of exams performed on patients.
• Conduct scheduled quality‑control scans and measurements per vendor recommendations.
• Ensure images are transmitted to PACS promptly, correctly identifying patient information to avoid misidentification.
• Perform digital radiography examinations of head, neck, spine, chest, and body.
• Receive patients, explain examinations, and prepare them for positioning.

Benefits and Compensation

• Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
• Recruitment Incentive: Not authorized.
• Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized.
• Pay: Competitive salary with regular increases.
• Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time per year (13‑26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Selected applicants may accrue leave based on prior work or military service.
• Parental Leave: After 12 months – up to 12 weeks of paid leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement.
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days – eligible for up to 25 % of childcare costs for families below $144,000.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and 401(K) with up to 5 % VA contribution.
• Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many programs transferable to retirement).
• Telework / Virtual: Not available.
• Application Deadline: 01/27/2026.