Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; West Haven (CT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the United States seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist specialized in MRI. The role requires ARRT certification with MRI capabilities, and a full radiologic technology program completion.

Advanced MRI credentials are preferred. The incumbent will perform advanced imaging procedures and support patient safety and image quality. The position is located within the VA MRI program, with on-site responsibilities, clinical instruction, and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Must be a certified radiologic technologist (ARRT) with general radiography credential.
• Completion of a 24-month post-high school radiologic technology program (certificate or associate degree).
• Advanced ARRT certification required for MRI/CT duties as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct MRI and other imaging procedures with precision and safety.
• Balance patient needs with staff workflow during imaging sessions.
• Collaborate with radiologists and care teams to ensure high-quality diagnostic images.
• Provide basic patient care and follow sterile/non-sterile procedures as needed.

Skills

MRI safety

Anatomy knowledge

Cross-sectional imaging

Patient positioning

Education

ARRT(R) Radiography certification

Associate degree in Radiologic Technology

Advanced ARRT MRI certification

Tools

PACS

MRI equipment

X-ray/CT workstations

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.

Basic Requirements

Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.).

English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).

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).

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing magnetic environment that patients, visitor, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged.

This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MRI) certification.

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

Assignments.

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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist.

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.

1. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering 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 methods and techniques and universal precautions.
6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Preferred Experience:

MRI certification and experience preferred.

Reference:

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

Physical Requirements:

This work may involve assisting individuals off of the bed that slides into the bore of the MRI machine. The position also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items.