Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI/CT

Veterans Health Administration • Martinsburg, WV

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs CT, MRI, and general diagnostic radiographic examinations under the direction of a physician. The work includes imaging all body regions; producing 3-dimensional reconstructions, maximum intensity projections, and CT angiography; and supporting radiologists and other medical officers in producing studies used to diagnose medical conditions. The technologist operates radiographic equipment in the Imaging Service and on patient floors.

For CT examinations, the technologist interprets requests, verifies orders against patient history, resolves discrepancies with the ordering provider, confirms patient and image identity, explains procedures, positions and cushions patients, and prepares and administers contrast materials according to protocol and under radiologist direction. The technologist coordinates with clinical personnel to support patient throughput, follows medical-center safety procedures, participates in quality assurance, and performs advanced image-processing tasks.

For MRI, the technologist performs or monitors safety checks for patients, employees, and visitors before entry into the five-Gauss magnetic field; explains procedures; positions and monitors patients; and records examination information. The technologist checks and documents medication and contrast allergies, follows MRI standard operating procedures, operates and maintains imaging and computer equipment, assists with equipment calibration and troubleshooting, reports failures or service needs to the immediate supervisor, and checks image quality before transmission to the PACS network.

The work schedule varies according to service needs and rotates among day, evening, and weekend coverage. Telework and virtual work are not available. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to program eligibility and approval; awards may be up to $200,000, with an eligibility period of one to five years. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply for this incentive.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Current general radiologic technology certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), Radiography (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification for independent CT and MRI duties, as applicable; technologists without advanced certification may receive supervised on-the-job training where permitted.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Completion of at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-09 level, directly related to the position, demonstrating the required clinical competencies.
• At least one year of creditable radiologic technology practice, as defined in the qualification requirements; experience must meet the stated certification and experience-credit rules.
• Demonstrated ability to balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Knowledge of gathering relevant information from medical records, significant others, and health care providers.
• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate a procedure.
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life-support practices related to radiography.
• Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques, universal precautions, and pre-, intra-, and post-procedural patient care.
• 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 and recognize equipment or procedural changes that could increase exposure, with ability to recommend preventive methods.
• Knowledge of basic physics, including energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and x-ray properties.
• Skill in positioning patients for highly complex imaging studies.
• Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months, or equivalent, in a post-high-school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree and accredited by JRCERT or another accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including heavy lifting of 45 pounds or more, moderate carrying of 15–44 pounds, pushing, reaching above shoulder level, prolonged walking and standing, repeated bending, and working in a lead apron.
• Must meet pre-employment conditions, including background/security investigation, drug screening, physical examination, and required onboarding and vaccination requirements.
• Must serve a two-year trial period.

Nice To Haves

• ARRT credentialing and work experience in X-ray, CT, and MRI.

Responsibilities

• Perform CT and MRI examinations on all body regions, including 3-dimensional reconstructions, maximum intensity projections, and CT angiography.
• Perform general diagnostic radiography, including x-rays of all body regions, bone-length examinations, and bone surveys.
• Operate radiographic equipment in the Imaging Service and on patient floors, supporting physicians and medical officers in obtaining diagnostic studies.
• Interpret imaging requests and instructions, verify orders against patient history, and resolve discrepancies with the ordering provider before proceeding.
• Confirm patient and image identity, including use of left and right markers.
• Explain imaging procedures, position and cushion patients, and provide procedure-related education to patients and families.
• Prepare oral, rectal, and injectable contrast materials and other chemical mixtures as needed, and administer contrast under radiologist direction and according to protocols.
• Coordinate with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, and others to support patient throughput.
• Follow medical-center safety policies and procedures and participate in quality assurance activities.
• Perform MRI safety checks for patients, employees, and visitors before they enter the five-Gauss magnetic field.
• Monitor patients during MRI examinations and record examination information for the permanent record.
• Check for medication and contrast allergies and document findings in the patient record.
• Follow MRI standard operating procedures.
• Operate and perform general technical maintenance of computers, consoles, and imaging devices; assist manufacturer representatives and biomedical engineers with calibration and troubleshooting; and notify the immediate supervisor of equipment failures or service needs.
• Verify image quality, positioning, labels, technique, and network information before transmitting images to the PACS network.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with awards of up to $200,000 and eligibility periods of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type and applicable rules.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for qualifying prior federal or military service, subject to prior request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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