Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

Veterans Health Administration • Atlanta, GA

19h • Onsite

About The Position

This advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist position specializes in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and is assigned to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging section of Radiology Service at the Atlanta VA Health Care System. The technologist independently performs assigned duties, which may include special and complex imaging procedures, clinical instruction, and basic quality-management tasks. The work must have sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this level.

The technologist performs a wide range of MRI examinations, including imaging of the spine, head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities, and uses specialized sequences to visualize anatomy and pathology for diagnosis. The role also includes MR angiography of abdominal systems and extremities. The technologist conducts MRI safety screenings, positions and monitors patients throughout examinations, and operates MRI equipment to obtain diagnostic-quality images while using standardized Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) levels.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; the schedule may change based on agency needs. Telework is not available. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized. The full performance level is GS-09.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• General radiologic technology certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT-R).
• Advanced ARRT certification for MRI duties performed independently; the announcement notes that on-the-job training with oversight may be provided to technologists who do not yet have advanced certification.
• Completion of a full-time diagnostic radiologic technology training program of at least 24 months, or equivalent, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree and accredited by JRCERT or another accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• 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 the needs of patients and staff while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Knowledge of how to gather 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.
• MRI-specific knowledge of superconducting magnets and their physics, magnetic-environment safety, cross-sectional anatomy, radio-frequency surface coils, contrast media, power injectors, and PACS.
• Meet pre-employment screening and onboarding conditions, including a background/security investigation, pre-employment physical examination, and required seasonal influenza vaccination.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of preferred experience.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform MRI examinations and complex imaging procedures.
• Operate MRI equipment and use appropriate SAR levels to obtain images of acceptable diagnostic quality.
• Perform MRI examinations of the spine, head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities using specialized imaging sequences.
• Perform MR angiography of abdominal systems and extremities.
• Conduct MRI safety screenings to identify possible contraindications before examinations.
• Position patients in the MRI system, monitor them during examinations, and remove them from the system when examinations are complete.
• 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 procedures and provide appropriate pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural patient care.
• Apply basic first aid and basic life-support practices related to radiography, as well as physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods, and universal precautions.
• Depending on the assignment, provide clinical instruction, perform basic quality-management duties, and carry out basic MRI safety program duties.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Possible credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal employment or military service, subject to prior request and approval.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

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