Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General DRT/MRI/CT)

Veterans Health Administration • Cheyenne, WY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at the Cheyenne VA Medical Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs and coordinates magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under the direction of a Radiologist. The role requires specialized knowledge of superconducting magnets and their physics, magnetic-environment safety, cross-sectional anatomy, and radio-frequency surface coils used to image different anatomical areas.

The technologist safeguards the MRI environment, follows patient-safety policies, contributes to MRI policy and procedure development, and works with the Radiologist to develop and maintain examination protocols. The technologist explains MRI procedures to patients, screens them for contraindications and risks, interprets provider requests under Radiologist guidance, and adjusts examinations and post-procedure care in consultation with the Radiologist when indicated. Under the direction of a Radiologist or Licensed Independent Provider, the technologist prepares, labels, and administers contrast agents pursuant to signed orders and maintains competency in IV catheter insertion and contrast injection.

The position involves selecting and adjusting imaging parameters, positioning patients and image planes, timing contrast injections and scanning sequences, and obtaining diagnostic-quality images. The technologist also trains personnel in MRI principles and procedures, participates in quality control, reports equipment and quality-control issues, maintains malfunction and downtime logs, coordinates with service representatives, and monitors MRI room temperatures. The work schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Telework and virtual work are not available.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Radiography (ARRT(R)).
• Advanced ARRT certification for assignments that include CT or MRI duties performed independently, as applicable.
• Completion of a full-time diagnostic radiologic technology training program of at least 24 months (or equivalent) after high school, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree and accredited by JRCERT or another Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 level, directly related to the position, for the GS-10 grade determination.
• Knowledge of radiation-protection standards, devices, and techniques, including accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
• Ability to use advanced imaging software for complex imaging programs, recognize equipment or procedural changes that may increase exposure, and recommend ways to prevent increased exposure.
• Knowledge of basic physics, including energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and x-ray properties, sufficient to understand equipment operation.
• Knowledge and skill in positioning patients for complex imaging studies, including CT, MRI, interventional radiology, ultrasound, and mammography.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to meet the stated physical and communication demands, including patient assistance and positioning, equipment handling, reading orders and screens, and communicating with patients and colleagues.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and background/security investigation; selected applicants are subject to drug testing and must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must complete the online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, as determined for the appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced ARRT certification in MRI (MR) and CT.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard the MRI scanning environment and follow patient-safety guidelines and Medical Center policies.
• Provide input into MRI policies and procedures to support safe, high-standard MRI services.
• Develop, maintain, and improve examination protocols with the Radiologist to standardize exams, tailor imaging to the condition being investigated, and optimize patient benefit.
• Train personnel in MRI principles, procedures, capabilities, techniques, and equipment, and explain the method’s uses and limitations.
• Interpret provider requests and instructions under the guidance of the Radiologist.
• Explain examinations to patients and screen them for contraindications and risk factors; collaborate with the Radiologist and adjust the examination or post-procedure care when needed.
• Prepare, label, and administer contrast agents under the direction of a Radiologist or Licensed Independent Provider and according to signed orders.
• Maintain competency in IV catheter insertion and manual or automated contrast injection techniques, and coordinate injection timing with scanning sequences.
• Position patients and image cut planes for high-quality imaging, adapting as needed to patients’ medical conditions and abilities.
• Adjust MRI equipment parameters to provide the appropriate imaging conditions and visualize the requested anatomy.
• Participate in and monitor quality-control program parameters; report test deviations and equipment defects to the Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer, supervisor, and biomedical engineer.
• Maintain equipment malfunction and downtime logs and work with manufacturer service representatives to diagnose and repair equipment.
• Monitor computer-room and control-room temperatures and notify Facilities Management when temperatures are outside the required range.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive federal benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type.
• Eligible selected applicants may request credit for prior work or military service toward annual-leave accrual, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

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