Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist specialized in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to provide technical leadership in the Imaging Department at the FHCC facility.

The incumbent will perform routine and moderately complex MRI exams independently under the Chief of Imaging, ensuring patient safety and high-quality imaging. Qualifications include ARRT MRI certification and completion of a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program.

Qualifications

• ARRT MRI certification required.
• Graduate of an accredited radiologic technology program (JRCERT or ARRT-accredited).
• Experience performing MRI and related safety procedures.
• Ability to independently perform routine and moderately complex MRI exams.

Responsibilities

• Lead MRI imaging within the Imaging Department.
• Provide MRI coverage on call and after-hours as needed.
• Maintain patient safety and comfort during scans.
• Participate in design and implementation of new MRI methods.

Skills

MRI imaging

Patient positioning

Safety protocols

Clinical KSAs (radiology)

Education

ARRT MRI Certification

JRCERT-accredited radiologic program

Job description

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to provide technical leadership and expertise in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - a specialty modality in the Imaging Department. The incumbent will perform all routine and moderately complex MRI exams independently within the MRI section of the Imaging Department under the general direction of the Chief of Imaging..

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• US Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d) CERTIFICATION: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R)
• ADVANCED CERTIFICATION: Advanced ARRT certification is required for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination
• (COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED) EDUCATION: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program - evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree - accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology
• (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) GS-9 GRADE REQUIRMENTS: Experience: Must have at least 1 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
• Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently
• DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures
• Examples of specialized experience are: Knowledge of super conducting magnets - the physics of superconducting magnets - and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging
• Educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients - visitors and equipment enter into
• Specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body
• Specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged
• 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)
• GS-9 Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - you must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 1) Ability to balance the needs of the patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• 2) Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather 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 skills - and universal precautions
• 6) Knowledgeable in pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• Preferred Experience: Prefer 1 year DRT experience - not required
• ARRT (MRI) Certification
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The employee works and functions in the medical center in a safe manner - including infection control and the correct operation of equipment.The technologist may be required to assist in moving and positioning patients - some of whom may be disabled or combative - requiring the use of safe patient handling techniques
• The position requires reaching - bending - and lifting up to 45 pounds
• The technologist is required to meet MRI safety standards to be able to access Zone 4 for positioning and assisting the patients when necessary
• The work environment may involve exposure to communicable diseases - ionizing radiation - and emotionally distressing patient situations.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The primary duties of this position will be conducted at the FHCC facility in the MRI department - managing patient imaging and administrative work that is related to MRI patient care/studies - utilizing the MRI equipment - EHRM - PACS and being an active participant in the design and implementation of new methods in Imaging department
• On occasion - the incumbent may be required to provide MRI coverage for on call and after hour shifts
• Work Schedule: Full-Time 12:30pm to 9:00pm 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 #: 08113F