Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Technologist to operate advanced MRI equipment, ensuring patient safety and high-quality imaging. This role involves working with complex computerized imaging devices, adhering to strict safety protocols, and collaborating with healthcare professionals. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills, a commitment to patient care, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off and retirement plans, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to advance their career in radiologic technology.

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Child Care Subsidy

Parental Leave

Qualifications

• Must be certified in radiologic technology and have an associate degree.
• Experience with MRI and knowledge of safety protocols is essential.

Responsibilities

• Operate MRI equipment and ensure patient safety during procedures.
• Maintain equipment and report any malfunctions to supervisors.
• Assist in patient care and monitor their condition during examinations.

Skills

Radiologic Technology Certification

MRI Operation

Patient Care

Safety Practices

Communication Skills

Education

Associate Degree in Diagnostic Radiologic Technology

ARRT Certification

Tools

MRI Scanner

Radiologic Equipment

Job description

Summary

Technologist is an operator of the super conductive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - a highly complex computerized imaging device which employs the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to acquire images.

Qualifications 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 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.
• Specialized experience includes: 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.
• AND 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 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
• AND Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *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.
• Preferred Experience: One year MRI experience.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit VA Qualification Standards.
• Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Duties

• Reports all shortages to the supervisor, as well as any equipment failure.
• In the absence of the supervisor, employee contacts the Chief Technologist, AO, Biomedical Engineer, or the service vendor to arrange for service.
• Employee has a responsibility to recognize and exhibit good safety practices while working on a 1.5T and 3T magnet to comply with published and communicated safety procedures and to immediately report observed safety infractions and unsafe working conditions.
• The employee's relationship with supervisors, lead technologist, co-workers, and others within the organization are consistently courteous and cooperative in nature, and overall contribute positively to the effective operation of the radiology service.
• The employee accepts duties and assignments outside of his/her normal workstation for purposes of receiving additional training and provides needed coverage as determined by the supervisor based on patient workload shift/changes and availability to personnel.
• The employee advises the Radiologist of those examinations which require immediate attention while the patient is still undergoing the examination.
• The employee administers contrast material agents under the direction of the radiologist.
• The employee accurately and routinely performs the associated DHCP and imaging network responsibilities that relate to a patient examination and the patient's record.
• The employee is responsible for setting up and positioning patients, provides immobilization devices, selects proper technical factors on an individual patient basis, and operates the equipment.
• Checks all equipment and reports failures to MRI supervisor and biomedical engineers.
• Further, the employee is trained in contamination containment and isolation techniques to protect himself/herself and others as well as the MRI section from contamination.
• The employee interacts with patients, explains exam procedures, positions patients within the scanner, monitors patients during all phases of the examination, and records all patient exam information for permanent record.
• Prior to MRI, the employee screens patient of any implants that would contradict the patient from having an MRI.
• If patient does have any implants, the employee will look up the implant to verify if he/she can safely be scanned.
• When operating the MRI, the employee coordinates with Radiologist and Physicist to determine the most ideal parameters to pulse the magnet for each individualized patient examination.
• Coordinates daily schedule and consults with hospital physicians, clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to the next day and future day's availability for patient examinations.
• Maintains inventory of lab, medical, and computer supplies and initiates procedures to replenish stock and receive stock supplies.
• When operating the MRI, the employee performs or monitors safety checks on patients, employees, and visitors to comply with FDS safety standards regarding ferrous objects and cardiac pacemakers prior to those persons entering the environment of the five Gauss magnetic field.
• Assists physicians and other investigators in the development and execution of research protocols and maintaining the records as necessary to validate the research project or funding grant.
• Completes mandatory annual Level 1 and Level 2 safety trainings.
• Completes mandatory training to maintain licensure and meet the medical center education requirements, to include maintaining quarterly Basic Life Support RQI training.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm with on-call duties.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus)

Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance)

Not Authorized

Pay

Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time off 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.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS)

Not Authorized