Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Kent (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI). The DRT will function in Imaging Service to perform MRI examinations, ensure patient safety, and maintain accurate records in RIS and PACS.

Requirements include US citizenship, completion of a JRCERT‑accredited radiologic technology program, ARRT (R) certification with advanced ARRT certification for MRI, and the ability to operate MRI equipment.

Qualifications

• Citizenship as required; VA policy governs non-citizen appointments.
• Completion of a 24+ month radiologic technology program evidenced by certificate or associate degree (JRCERT or recognized accreditor).
• ARRT (R) certification in general radiologic technology; advanced ARRT certification required for MRI/CT/Mammography duties where applicable.
• Advanced certification may be demonstrated via on-the-job training with supervision if not possessed.
• Grandfathering provision may apply to current VA employees in this occupation.

Responsibilities

• Schedule exams to optimize MRI equipment and allow for emergencies.
• Determine best scanning parameters and position patients appropriately.
• Coordinate with Radiologist and Physicist for ideal MRI parameter pulses.
• Position patients, monitor during MRI, and manage IV access and contrast when needed.
• Collaborate with Anesthesia for sedated patients and monitor post-procedure safety.
• Maintain PACS/RIS records, ensure proper patient identification and exam labeling.
• Train new staff and assist with procedures; stay current with MRI techniques and safety.

Skills

MRI

Radiologic technology

Anatomy knowledge

Patient safety

On-call readiness

Education

Associate degree in Radiologic Technology

JRCERT-accredited program

Tools

PACS

RIS

VISTA system

Job description

Summary

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI). The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) will function in Imaging Service. The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information - refer to Required Documents below.

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
• 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 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
• 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: 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
• Experience at the GS-8 level may include: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSA's): In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA's: Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 9
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 9
• Physical Requirements: Work requires walking - pushing - and lifting of patients and their respective transporting devices - patient's records and MRI scans and inputting data into the VISTA computer system as well as laundry and other stocking items needed Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done with the help of other employees and various lifting devices Work requires technologist to be aware of all who enter the MRI room and what they have on or in them along with the type of monitoring equipment they may have (ex O2 tank - IVAC pump)
• Incumbent must pass pre-employment physical and designated drug testing.

Duties

• Duties include but are not limited to: Schedule exams in a manner that optimizes all of the MRI equipment capabilities while maintaining the flexibility to allow for emergency cases
• This requires the prioritizing scheduled patients while also accommodating the extreme emergent patient who may need immediate attention Determine best scanning parameters to optimize imaging technique
• Coordinates with the Radiologist and Physicist to determine ideal parameters to pulse the magnet for each individualized patient procedure Position patient within the examining unit - monitor patient during all phases of the MRI examination and remove patient from the magnetic field upon completion of the acquisitions Start IV and administer MRI contrast to patients requiring such monitoring for allergic reactions Work with Anesthesia personnel to assure proper assessment of sedated patients which involves starting IV - positioning of monitoring equipment and post MRI procedures Monitor MRI examinations by checking computations - performance and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic data and images
• Performs clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer Use PACS system for transmission of images to the Radiologist Maintain records and files of exam performed on patients
• This includes editing of patient exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS)
• Properly identify patient through the RIS interface identifier and assures the marking of proper laterality
• The technologist must be certain that the patient's information and request are identical by check with the patient Assures MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Imaging Service policy Explains exams to competent patients so the patient understands what is to be done Continually reviews new developments in MRI
• The DRT/MRI improves quality of MRI examinations by utilizing new techniques that are available Trains new employees in accordance with established procedures and practices in compliance with ACR guidelines
• Instruct employees in specific tasks and job techniques and makes available written instructions - reference materials and supplies Employs proper use of hospital computers for patient reference and information
• Troubleshoots computer problems and reports them to the VA IT helpdesk Check on work in progress or spot check work not requiring review
• Reviews completed work to see that the Supervisor or staff Radiologist's instructions on work sequence procedures methods and deadlines have been met
• Establish interdepartmental partnership with vascular department in the procurement of vascular studies including abdominal and runoff exams Perform daily quality assurance tests
• Archives MRI images and exports them for permanent storage
• Monitors performance of MRI and ancillary equipment Assist in the calibration/troubleshooting equipment malfunctions in all equipment associated with the MRI unit
• Perform safety checks on patients - employees and visitors to comply with the Medical Center - OIG - VISN and ACR safety standards regarding ferrous objects - cardiac pacemakers - etc
• to those persons entering the environment of the 5 gauss magnetic field
• Observes and makes recommendations to the supervisor regarding working conditions such as seating - ventilation - lighting - safety - etc
• Assist in preparation of procedure manuals and assists in devising and modifying procedures Work Schedule: Work Schedule: M-F 8-4:30 - M-F 10-630 - possible Saturdays - with on-call Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade) Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 942510 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized