Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist MR

Veterans Health Administration • Savannah, GA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Imaging Service within the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is hiring Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists specializing in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) for the Charleston VA in Charleston, South Carolina, and the Savannah Clinic in Savannah, Georgia. The position is assigned to Radiology Service and performs routine to complex MRI examinations and general radiology examinations or procedures as needed.

The technologist operates 1.5T and 3 Tesla magnet systems and performs routine and complex MRI examinations, including vascular, neuro, musculoskeletal, elastography, and/or cardiac studies. The role requires knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and the radiofrequency surface coils needed for specific anatomical areas. The technologist monitors radiofrequency power delivered to tissue (SAR), positions and prepares patients, selects appropriate technical factors, operates imaging equipment, and performs post-processing reconstructions when requested or required by standard procedure.

Examinations may use contrast material according to the imaging requisition and established protocols. The technologist follows contrast policies, operates contrast power injectors, performs venipuncture using an appropriate intravenous catheter, identifies and initiates treatment for contrast extravasation, and recognizes and responds to allergic reactions. The role also requires compliance with VA and facility MR safety policies, knowledge of MRI zones, annual MRT Level I and MRI Level II competencies, and screening people and equipment entering Zones III and IV.

The Charleston schedule is Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with rotating holidays and on-call duties. The Savannah schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is a permanent, non-virtual position; telework is unavailable. Recruitment or relocation incentives and permanent change of station assistance are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by ARRT (R) and advanced ARRT certification in MR.
• Completion of a full-time post-high-school diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months, or equivalent, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree from a JRCERT-accredited program or another accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; qualifying grandfathering provisions may apply to eligible current VHA employees.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position, demonstrating the required clinical competencies.
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices, and techniques, including accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
• Ability to use advanced imaging software supporting complex imaging programs, recognize equipment or procedural changes that may increase exposure, and recommend ways to prevent such exposures.
• 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 a wide variety of highly complex imaging studies.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and background/security investigation.
• Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing-designated position must undergo urinalysis screening for illegal drug use; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Must complete the required online onboarding and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate 1.5T and 3 Tesla MRI magnet systems.
• Perform routine and complex MRI examinations, including vascular, neuro, musculoskeletal, elastography, and/or cardiac studies.
• Perform general radiology examinations and procedures as needed.
• Apply knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and radiofrequency surface coils for the anatomical area being imaged.
• Monitor radiofrequency power delivered to tissue during MRI examinations (SAR).
• Set up and position patients, provide immobilization devices, select patient-specific technical factors, and operate imaging equipment.
• Perform post-processing reconstructions when requested or when part of a standard procedure.
• Perform examinations with or without contrast according to the requisition and established protocols.
• Follow contrast policies and maintain competency in loading, programming, and using contrast power injectors.
• Perform venipuncture with appropriate intravenous catheter selection for contrast administration.
• Identify and initiate treatment for intravenous contrast extravasation and recognize and respond to allergic reactions.
• Follow VA directives and facility/service policies related to MRI safety and comply with regulations governing the MR environment.
• Maintain yearly MRT Level I and MRI Level II competencies and familiarity with MRI zones.
• Screen patients, staff, vendors, and equipment entering MRI Zones III and IV for compliance with MRI safety protocols.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, consisting of 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to family-income, child-eligibility, and monthly-maximum limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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