Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

Veterans Health Administration • Seattle, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a fully functional Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist specializing in MRI who independently carries out assigned tasks. Assignments may include special and complex MRI procedures, with work scope and complexity suited to the knowledge, skills, and abilities required at this level. The role is at the GS-9 full-performance level.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility requirements and timely application. EDRP approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined after review of the application. EDRP is not available to former participants.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cross-campus coverage and rotating call and holiday coverage are required. Telework and virtual work are not available. Recruitment or relocation incentives and relocation assistance are not authorized.

The position includes federal compensation and benefits, including competitive salary with regular increases; paid time off; paid federal holidays; paid parental leave after 12 months of employment; possible childcare subsidy for eligible full-time employees; a federal pension and 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions; and federal health, vision, dental, term-life, and long-term-care insurance. Eligible employees may receive credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military service, subject to approval.

Applicants must meet VA citizenship, certification, education, and qualification requirements. The role requires general radiologic technology certification through ARRT (R), with advanced MRI certification required for independent MRI assignments. Applicants must also meet the applicable experience and clinical competency requirements for the GS-9 grade. A one- or two-year trial period applies.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by ARRT (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification for independent MRI assignments, as applicable; on-the-job training with oversight may be provided to technologists who lack advanced certification in modalities requiring it.
• 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 program accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Current VA employees may qualify under the Grandfathering Provision.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position, demonstrating the required clinical competencies.
• Ability to balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Knowledge of methods for 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.
• Proficiency in MRI imaging protocols, positioning, and dose-reduction techniques (ALARA).
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with veterans, family members, and team members.
• Knowledge of aseptic techniques and sterile environments for patient care and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and pay attention to detail.
• Familiarity with medical terminology relevant to diagnostic radiology and MRI.
• CPR certification.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Must pass applicable pre-employment screening, including a physical evaluation and, for testing-designated positions, drug testing; must complete background/security investigation and onboarding requirements.
• Must meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program and serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• Required certification must be maintained; failure to obtain certification within two years or maintain required certification may result in removal from the occupation and potentially termination.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of MRI experience is desired.
• Venipuncture knowledge is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review patient histories to confirm exam accuracy.
• Explain procedures, answer patient questions, and help ensure patient comfort.
• Position patients correctly and follow established imaging protocols, adjusting technical factors when needed.
• Administer contrast agents and continuously monitor patients for safety.
• Coordinate with radiologists, team members, and clinical staff to support efficient workflow.
• Follow safety, infection-control, and HIPAA regulations.
• Perform routine equipment checks, troubleshoot issues, and promptly report malfunctions.
• Provide cross-campus coverage when needed.
• Participate in rotating call and holiday coverage.
• Balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Gather relevant information from medical records, significant others, and health care providers.
• Assess factors that may contraindicate a procedure.
• Provide appropriate pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural patient care using applicable first aid, life-support, physical-assessment, aseptic, intravenous, and universal-precaution practices.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with awards up to $200,000 over an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Possible credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster-care placement of a child.
• Childcare subsidy may be available after 60 days for eligible full-time employees with total family income below $144,000, covering up to 25% of eligible childcare costs, subject to the stated monthly maximum and eligibility rules.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting.
• Federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term-life, and long-term-care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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