Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9, to perform advanced imaging procedures and ensure high-quality patient care in a professional radiology setting.

Eligible for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) with program-specific awards; ARRT certification required; 24-month radiologic technology training completed; MRI/CT/Mammography capabilities may be required. This position emphasizes safety, accuracy, and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• US citizenship is required; non-citizens only per VA policy.
• ARRT certification (R); advanced ARRT certification for CT/MRI/Mammography as applicable.
• Completed full-time training 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 recognized DOE accrediting body.
• Current VA Grandfathering Provision rules may apply for credentialing.
• Credentialing standards require certification maintained per applicable regulations.

Responsibilities

• Operate advanced imaging procedures and carry out tasks independently when necessary.
• Balance patient needs with staff workflow while performing complex scans.
• Assess factors that may contraindicate a procedure.
• Ensure basic life support and safety measures are in place before, during, and after imaging.

Skills

Patient balance during scans

Record review

Contraindication assessment

First aid basics

Aseptic techniques

Pre-procedural care

Post-procedural care

Education

Certificate or Associate degree in Radiologic Technology

Tools

Imaging equipment

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

NOTE: THE 2-PAGE RESUME REQUIREMENT DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS OCCUPATIONAL SERIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION, REFER TO REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BELOW.

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. 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.
• 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).
• ***Current VA employees may qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision
  • Credentialing Standards: 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. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.
  • 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.

Grade Determinations

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.

Assignment: For 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 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: Desired 2 years of MRI experience

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements: There are no physical requirements for this occupation per OCHCO Communications email to VA Handbook 5019, updated on 4/17/2026.