Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technician (MRI)

Veterans Health Administration • Baltimore, MD

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) works in the imaging service at the VA Maryland Health Care System. The role performs magnetic resonance imaging procedures, including routine and advanced procedures such as MRA, prostate, breast, and cardiac imaging. It requires knowledge of basic physics, including energy, electric power, and magnetic fields, and the ability to operate MRI equipment and support complex imaging procedures.

The technologist follows patient-safety guidelines, screens patients for MRI safety and checks implanted devices when needed, monitors equipment and quality control, maintains recording-media archives, and coordinates examination scheduling with hospital personnel. The role independently plans and carries out work within standing instructions and coordinates quality-improvement activities. On-call emergency MRI coverage may be assigned, requiring availability to be onsite within 60 minutes of a call. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework and virtual work are not available.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• General radiologic technology certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification for MRI assignments performed independently.
• 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 program accredited by an agency recognized by the Department of Education.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• 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 could increase exposure, and recommend ways to prevent increased exposure.
• Knowledge of basic physics, including energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-rays, to understand equipment operation.
• Knowledge and skill in positioning patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging studies.
• Compliance with applicable pre-employment screening, background/security investigation, onboarding, identification, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• For males born after December 31, 1959, Selective Service registration.
• Willingness to serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced MRI procedures, including MRA, prostate, breast, and cardiac imaging.
• Observe patient-safety guidelines established by department and Medical Center policies and procedures.
• Check MRI equipment and report failures to the Lead MRI Technologist or Chief Imaging Technologist.
• Screen MRI patients and check implanted devices when necessary for clearance.
• Use computer programs competently and establish and monitor quality-control programs.
• Maintain archives of recording media.
• Coordinate daily schedules and consult with hospital physicians and clinical and administrative personnel about examination availability for the next day and future days.
• Transfer patients to stretchers or wheelchairs and onto the MRI table using safe transfer techniques.
• Independently plan and carry out work according to standing instructions on objectives, priorities, and deadlines, and provide guidance in unusually involved situations.
• Coordinate quality-improvement activities within the MRI section and recommend areas for review or improvement.
• May provide on-call emergency MRI coverage, with availability to be onsite within 60 minutes of receiving a call.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility and specific benefits depend on position type.
• Selected applicants may request consideration of prior work or military service for annual-leave accrual credit, subject to approval and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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