Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR)

Veterans Health Administration • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR), position is assigned to the Medical Imaging, Radiology Service, Magnetic Resonance Imaging section within the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. The MRI Technologist 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 and carries out the assigned tasks independently.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• United States 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, 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. (CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)
• Education: Applicants must have 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).
• 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). (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
• 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).
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-09 level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
• This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging.
• The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, 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.
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
• Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of X-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.
• DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.

Nice To Haves

• This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging.
• The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, 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.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for reading, understanding, and following all Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and Radiology policies and procedures and maintaining compliance in all requirements essential to maintaining their position.
• Responsible for assuming various rotating schedules as determined by the Operations Manager, Radiology Service.
• Performs all aspects of MRI imaging head, neck, spine, abdomen, pelvis, musculoskeletal, special imaging procedures such as Arthrograms, MRA/MRV angiography exams utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis.
• Responsible for maintenance of Level 1 and Level 2 MRI safety training.
• Responsible for screening patients, care givers, medical providers, and all others who enter the MRI suite for contraindications for entering Zone IV.
• Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions including renal function for patients requiring contrast agents per Radiology service policy.
• Responsible for explaining exams and risks to competent patients so the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible.
• Responsible for operating and maximizing utilization of a wide variety of highly sophisticated imaging equipment including but not limited to Power Injectors, 3D Reconstruction Software, Siemens 1.5T Symphony and Siemens 3T Skyra MRI scanners.
• Determines technical factors such as repetition time, TE, bandwidth, field of view, slice thickness, etc. to produce high quality images and satisfy requirements of MR exams.
• Maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service procedure manual for guidelines on MRI Safety, Administration of Contrast Media, and all other relevant Radiology policies and procedures.
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist that are used in MRI, to include general, specialized, MR Angiography, and all other exams.
• Assure that appointments are scheduled/rescheduled within the appropriate time frames as outlined in hospital directives or memoranda.
• Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS.
• Reviews imaging orders screening information for accuracy, noting and researching all questionable information prior to contacting the patient or performing the exam.
• Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies, notifying Supervisor when supplies are not available and monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance.
• Properly identifies patient images by using the HIS/RIS patient identification lists, R & L markers, correct amount and type of contrast administered, timelines for any timed examinations, patient position and all other identifying markers for that view/scan.
• Properly identifies areas of interest on all images, if applicable. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur.
• Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace.
• Attends scheduled training sessions and participates in facility or service-level safety promotions as directed by supervisor.
• Performs other assigned duties.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree