Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a qualified Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist to perform MRI procedures and ensure accurate patient diagnoses. The ideal candidate must demonstrate independence and technical expertise in MRI operations, comply with safety protocols, and hold the necessary certifications. This role offers opportunities for advanced practice and the chance to work in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• Must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology.
• Completion of a training course in diagnostic radiologic technology is required.
• English proficiency is required.

Responsibilities

• Independently performs MRI and MRA scans of various body parts.
• Evaluates critical procedures and adjusts schedules as necessary.
• Ensures compliance with safety and procedural standards.

Skills

Independence

Assessment skills

Technical Knowledge in MRI

Education

Associate degree in diagnostic radiologic technology

Job description

The technologist must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The Technologist is regarded as the expert source and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities to provide a final interpretation. The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in MRI and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) and is able to carry out his/her assignment independently.
Duties

Independently performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head, neck, spine, chest, body and extremities. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. Evaluates critical and emergency procedures and rearranges schedule to accommodate the situation. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. Duties may include, but not limited to:

Requirements

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 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.
• 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).
• Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d),

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: GS-9: The technologist must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The Technologist is regarded as the expert source and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the Technologist in providing a final interpretation. The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in MRI and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) and is able to carry out his/her assignment independently.

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
• Assignments: All assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. 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 QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs :

• 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/.

Physical Requirements: Position is primarily Sedentary, however direct patient care within the incumbent's qualifications could be required to support the needs of the service. To perform in a fully successful manner, the individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require lifting, standing, bending, transferring, stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, or pulling without assistance from another patient care provider or significant others.