Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. The award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the application. Qualifications United States Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy English Language Proficiency: DRTs appointed to direct patient‑care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 USCS § 7403(f) Education: 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 associate degree – accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or other accredited agencies recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology – Radiography (ARRT) Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or for Mammogram duties performed independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination Grade Determinations – Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS‑9: Experience: Requires at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS‑8) demonstrating the following clinical competencies needed to provide services for this specialty area: Checking scanners for operation – assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines Calibrating parameters and making adjustments as needed Reviewing patient’s clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results Monitoring patient’s physiologic changes during the procedure and keeping the radiologist informed Using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers Understanding anatomy, physiology, and cross‑sectional anatomy – recognizing unusual images – and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest Knowledge – Skills – Abilities: Candidates must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and have potential to acquire assignment‑specific KSAs: Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while performing complex scans and procedures Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods, and universal precautions Knowledge of pre‑procedural, procedural, and post‑procedural care of patients Physical Requirements Light to moderate lifting and carrying up to 44 pounds. Includes straight pulling, pushing, reaching at and above shoulders, use of both hands and fingers, walking and/or standing 6–8 hours, crawling, kneeling, and rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Responsibilities Operating the superconducting Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI) – a highly complex computerized imaging device that employs strong magnetic fields and radio waves to acquire images Operating a magnet of 1.5 or 3 Tesla – preparing the magnet for daily operation, bringing the system up, and checking all self‑calibrating parameters Maintaining cleanliness of the assigned work area and necessary supplies Reporting all shortages or equipment failures to the supervisor Observing patient safety guidelines as set forth in department and medical center policies and procedures Monitoring all equipment brought into the MRI environment to ensure it is MRI safe or MRI compatible Actively seeking out work when assigned tasks are finished Proactively identifying administrative, clinical, or mechanical problems and defining solutions Advising the radiologist of examinations requiring immediate attention while the patient is still undergoing the examination Practicing sterile techniques to prevent contamination Performing associated DHCP – CPRS GUI and imaging network responsibilities related to a patient examination and the patient’s record Work Schedule Part‑time – 16 hours per week (Saturdays and Sundays), 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. Benefits Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid time off: 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays) Parental leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement Child care subsidy: After 60 days of employment – full‑time employees with a family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of eligible costs, up to $416.66 per month Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care, and many other federal insurance programs that can be carried into retirement Telework: Not available. Virtual: Not a virtual position #J-18808-Ljbffr