Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Veterans Health Administration • Gainesville, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist provides MRI diagnostic radiology services at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center under physician direction and assists radiologists with complex exams and procedures. The position includes a training period covering NF/SG Diagnostic Imaging policies, protocols, procedures, MRI equipment functionality, routine and advanced imaging, patient safety, and performance-based competencies. Training includes exposure to different MRI aspects and rotations, as well as off-tour shifts. The technologist is required to participate in call-back coverage for this 24-hour modality service and may be called in to cover off-tour shifts during emergencies.

The technologist performs a range of simple and advanced MRI examinations, operates MRI equipment, screens and prepares patients, follows safety and infection-control procedures, and coordinates with clinical and support staff to support patient throughput and timely imaging. The position is scheduled 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with mandatory on-call rotations after hours and on federal holidays. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to VHA eligibility requirements and application review. The application must be submitted within four months of appointment. The program office determines approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years); former EDRP participants are ineligible. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade, directly related to the position, demonstrating the required clinical competencies.
• 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, and universal precautions.
• Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural patient care.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include MRI.
• 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.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Ability to meet MRI-specialty knowledge requirements, including superconducting magnets and their physics, magnetic-environment safety, cross-sectional anatomy, radio-frequency surface coils, contrast media, power injectors, and PACS.
• Willingness to work the stated afternoon schedule and mandatory on-call rotations, including after-hours and federal holiday coverage.
• Meet applicable pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, drug testing if selected for a testing-designated position, influenza vaccination, and completion of onboarding and required application documentation.

Responsibilities

• Interpret requests or instructions from radiologists and clinicians.
• Perform simple and advanced MRI examinations, including brain, abdominal, cardiac, musculoskeletal, breast, extremity, and urological imaging, as well as interventional planning and procedures, with or without contrast as directed by the radiologist.
• Operate superconductive MRI scanners and related computerized imaging equipment.
• Identify patients using two forms of identification.
• Assist with transporting patients by wheelchair, stretcher, or walking assistance when appropriate.
• Coordinate with escorts, ward secretaries, EMS, nursing personnel, and others to maximize patient throughput.
• Conduct MRI safety screening, explain procedures, and select the appropriate imaging coil for the body part being scanned.
• Follow departmental and Medical Center safety policies, MRI implant and device safety guidance, and American College of Radiology MRI safety guidelines.
• Complete stat, pre-operative, urgent, and routine imaging studies within established guidelines.
• Monitor the MRI schedule and reschedule appointments to optimize scanner time while accommodating emergencies.
• Prepare sterile procedure trays and supplies, power injectors, pressure bags, and other ancillary equipment.
• Report equipment failures promptly to biomedical engineering, the PACS administrator, supervisors, leads, or coworkers.
• Use VistA and CPRS to review relevant patient information, including laboratory results, nursing notes, orders and consults, physician notes, allergies, and radiology reports.
• Clean and disinfect equipment after each use according to infection-control and EMS standards, and set up, clean, or reprocess reusable medical equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
• Complete required training and performance-based competencies, including exposure to a variety of off-tour shifts.
• Participate in mandatory call-back rotations and provide coverage for the 24-hour MRI service, including emergency off-tour coverage.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan repayment reimbursement, subject to eligibility and approval; award amount up to $200,000 and eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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