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 relationship to human anatomy, safety in magnetic environments, cross-sectional anatomy, and radio-frequency surface coils used for different anatomical areas.

The technologist maintains a safe MRI scanning environment and follows department and Medical Center patient-safety policies. In consultation with a Radiologist, the technologist helps develop MRI policies and procedures and maintains examination protocols that support consistent imaging, address the condition under investigation, and optimize patient benefit. The technologist also trains personnel in MRI principles, procedures, capabilities, techniques, and equipment.

The technologist interprets provider requests under Radiologist guidance; explains examinations to patients; screens patients for contraindications and risk factors; and collaborates with the Radiologist when screening findings require changes to the examination or post-procedure care. Under the direction of a Radiologist or Licensed Independent Provider, the technologist prepares, labels, and administers contrast agents under signed orders, maintains competency in IV catheter insertion and contrast injection, and coordinates injection and scanning timing for the desired vascular-phase images.

The role includes positioning patients and image cut planes, adjusting MRI equipment parameters, and using anatomical knowledge to obtain the intended images. The technologist participates in quality control, reports deviations and equipment defects, maintains malfunction and downtime logs, works with manufacturer service representatives on troubleshooting, and monitors MRI computer and control room temperatures, notifying Facilities Management when temperatures fall outside operating requirements.

The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification for assignments involving MRI or CT duties performed independently, as applicable; technologists without required advanced certification may receive supervised on-the-job training.
• Completion of a full-time diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months, or equivalent, after high school, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree from a JRCERT-accredited program or another accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 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 changes that may increase exposures, and recommend methods to prevent such exposures.
• Knowledge of basic physics, including energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and x-ray properties, to understand equipment operation.
• Knowledge and skill in positioning patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging studies.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and applicable background/security investigation; selected applicants are subject to required onboarding and testing procedures.
• Comply with the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Meet the physical and communication demands of the position, including patient assistance and positioning, prolonged standing and walking, equipment handling, near visual acuity, and communication with patients and colleagues.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced ARRT certification in Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Computed Tomography (CT).

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe MRI scanning environment and follow patient-safety guidelines and policies.
• Provide input into MRI section policies and procedures to support safe, high-standard MRI services.
• Develop, maintain, and improve examination protocols with the Radiologist to standardize imaging and tailor images to the condition being investigated.
• Train personnel in MRI principles, procedures, capabilities, techniques, and equipment, and explain the modality’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 when findings require changes to the examination or post-procedure care.
• Prepare, label, and administer contrast agents under signed orders from a Radiologist or Licensed Independent Provider.
• Maintain competency in IV catheter insertion and manual or automated injection techniques, and time contrast injections and scan sequences appropriately.
• Position patients and image cut planes for high-quality images, adjusting as needed for patients’ medical conditions and abilities.
• Adjust MRI equipment parameters to provide the correct imaging exposure and visualize the desired anatomical features.
• Participate in and monitor quality control program parameters.
• Report quality-control 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 resolve equipment issues.
• Monitor Computer room and Control room temperatures and notify Facilities Management when temperatures are outside MRI computer operating requirements.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to the employee and family; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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