Diagnostic Radiologic Tech (MRI)

Veterans Health Administration • Asheville, NC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The DRT(MRI) technologist operates an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner to acquire diagnostic images of patients to enable the diagnosis of disease and to guide patient management. The MRI technologist has primary responsibility to ensure that MRI safety principles are applied in the MRI environment and with patient care.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Must complete all required steps in the process.
• In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents ).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable].
• Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-9 LEVEL : Completion of 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level (GS-8), that is directly related to the position to be filled and that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics needed to provide services as a diagnostic radiologic technologist.

Nice To Haves

• 3 to 5 years of fulltime and direct MRI experience

Responsibilities

• Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties Receive patients, confirm patient identification, obtain patient history, provide patient education, provide reassurance and ensure patient comfort.
• Review exam requests for appropriateness before performing exams. Use appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, patient interview, chart review or contact with the ordering clinician to clarify as needed.
• Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize all of the MRI scanner times while maintaining a flexibility to allow for emergency cases. This requires the prioritization of scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the extreme emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc.
• Performs a wide variety of MRI/ MRA exams to include complex visualization of vessels and organs by utilizing 3D technology
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams.
• Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of MRI scanning.
• Schedules patients for examinations.
• Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention.
• Perform the technical operations to acquire diagnostic MRI images--operate the MRI scanner controls and apply radio frequency coils and other associated devices and supplies.
• Establish venous access using a sheath-needle type angio-catheter employing sterile technique.
• Apply infection control practices, including knowledge of modes of transmission, levels of precautions and preventive measures.
• Work assignments include data collection for performance improvement, equipment QC, exam tracking and audits and other administrative duties assigned by the Supervisor MIT (MRI)/MRI Safety Officer.
• The incumbent is responsible to perform work assignments with required accuracy and timeliness, and to solicit guidance and clarification as needed.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

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