DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST (MRI)

Full Job Description

The incumbent is assigned to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) Section of the Radiology Service, independently performing standard and complex MR1 examinations.

Technologist communication and interaction between multiple clinics and services throughout the Medical Center is required to provide specialized and unique care for many of our veterans.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

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].

Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently] and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination.

[In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.

Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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).

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation.

For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.

DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.

DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.

DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.

Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT.

NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified.

These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series.

Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry.

Grade Determinations: Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently.

DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program.

Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level.

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i.

*Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii.

Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.

iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v.

Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi.

Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patient Preferred Experience: Siemens scanner and cardiac imaging experience preferred.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Major Duties:

This is an open continuous announcement until 14 August 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.

This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging.

The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter.

The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body.

The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged.

[This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS.

DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification. This position requires a weekend day shift as well as weeknight coverage.

This position includes participation in a rotating technologist on-call schedule, for emergent exams off-hours and holidays Maintains a valid ARRT MRI/DRT certification.

Performs MRI exams efficiently while prioritizing scheduled patients and accommodating emergency cases.

Collaborates with radiologists on non-standard exams, determining appropriate technical factors and protocols. Communicates exam status and escalates issues.

Uses the electronic medical record to review labs, document notes, flag irregular orders, and record allergies/contraindications.

Coordinates specialized and high-risk exams with Cardiology/Electrophysiology, Neurology, Anesthesia, and Interventional Radiology.- Performs a full range of MRI studies (Cardiac, Neuro, Body, Breast, MSK, Vascular), including advanced exams such as prostate, cardiac, and research imaging.

Proficient in cardiac imaging, stress testing protocols, perfusion, gating, and MRI-safe monitoring/infusion systems. Supports cardiac research using Siemens Master Research and WIP protocols.

Skilled in abdominal/pelvic, neuro, vascular, and MSK imaging, including advanced protocols and contrast-enhanced studies.

Performs ECGs for stress testing and reviews findings with Cardiology prior to scanning. IV-certified; prepares and administers MRI contrast using power injectors and manual techniques.

Performs image reconstructions such as MPR, MIP, and subtraction.

Upholds strict MRI safety standards, including screening, SAR monitoring, contrast reaction monitoring, and MRI-suite emergency response. Participates in safety drills and training.

Ensures compliance with FDA MRI safety standards for patients, staff, and visitors. Performs daily QA/QC on scanners and coils; reports system issues promptly.

Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies. Maintains accurate electronic patient records, ensures proper patient identification, and clearly explains procedures and risks.

Manages MRI supply inventory and restocking. Work Schedule: Sunday 7:30am -4pm, Monday - Thursday 11am -7:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized