U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI
Summary
This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) position is assigned to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center - Radiology Service - Magnetic Resonance Imaging section within the facility.
Pay Base pay range: $88,253.00/yr - $114,726.00/yr (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided pay range). Actual pay will be based on your skills and experience—talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Qualifications
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
Education: Completion of a full‑time training course of at least 24 months 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 by other recognized agencies.
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 computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or mammography (M) duties performed independently.
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.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) specialty: Requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, their physics, and safety factors related to patient, visitor, and equipment exposure, as well as specialized knowledge of cross‑sectional anatomy and radio‑frequency surface coils for each anatomical area.
Contrast media, power injectors, and PACS knowledge. Technologists with independent duties in this subspecialty require ARRT (MR) certification.
Grade Determinations: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Ability to balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans; gather information from records and health‑care providers; assess contraindications; basic first aid and life‑support practices; aseptic techniques, intravenous methods, and universal precautions; pre‑procedural, procedural, and post‑procedural patient care.
For more information on this qualification standard, visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑09.
Physical requirements: Standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing may be required; personal protective equipment, TB screening/testing may be required.
Work environment: Office/clinic setting with normal safety precautions and the ability to handle multiple tasks in occasionally stressful situations.
Duties
Operate MRI equipment to capture high‑quality diagnostic images in accordance with radiologist protocol and physician specifications.
Verify patient identification and review medical history relevant to the MRI procedure.
Screen patients for contraindications such as metal implants or pacemakers.
Explain the MRI procedure clearly and address concerns to ensure patient understanding and comfort; reduce anxiety.
Provide thorough patient education regarding the procedure, including expectations, duration, and noise levels.
Communicate clearly with patients, especially those who are anxious, claustrophobic, or in pain.
Deliver patient care tailored to meet the cognitive, emotional, and developmental needs of adult and geriatric patients.
Perform MRI exams on head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities with and without contrast; perform magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) exams of veins and arteries throughout the body.
Prepare, position, and immobilize patients accurately and comfortably in the MRI scanner using cushions, straps, or supports to ensure comfort, patient safety, and high‑quality imaging while minimizing motion artifacts.
Select and use appropriate imaging protocols based on clinical indications, the patient’s requisition, and the radiologist’s or SAO protocol.
Perform and complete imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre‑op, urgent, and routine exams.
Review all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness, and desired date.
Investigate any questionable details, consult with the radiologist if necessary, and document all relevant information in VistA and/or the patient’s Electronic Health Record.
Modify scan parameters and imaging sequences as needed to accommodate patient condition or image needs; maintain technical proficiency across scanner applications and protocols.
Proactively recommend methods to avoid unnecessary scanning and maintain equipment functionality awareness.
Work schedule: 12:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Monday‑Friday.
Permanent Change of Station (relocation assistance): Not authorized.
Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time per year (13‑26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays).
Parental leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care.
Child care subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of eligible costs (maximum $416.66 per month).
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer contribution.
Health insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care (many programs can be carried into retirement).
Telework: Not available.
Seniority level Entry level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Health Care Provider
Industries Government Administration
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Pay Base pay range: $88,253.00/yr - $114,726.00/yr (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided pay range). Actual pay will be based on your skills and experience—talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Qualifications
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
Education: Completion of a full‑time training course of at least 24 months 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 by other recognized agencies.
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 computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or mammography (M) duties performed independently.
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.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) specialty: Requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, their physics, and safety factors related to patient, visitor, and equipment exposure, as well as specialized knowledge of cross‑sectional anatomy and radio‑frequency surface coils for each anatomical area.
Contrast media, power injectors, and PACS knowledge. Technologists with independent duties in this subspecialty require ARRT (MR) certification.
Grade Determinations: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Ability to balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans; gather information from records and health‑care providers; assess contraindications; basic first aid and life‑support practices; aseptic techniques, intravenous methods, and universal precautions; pre‑procedural, procedural, and post‑procedural patient care.
For more information on this qualification standard, visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑09.
Physical requirements: Standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing may be required; personal protective equipment, TB screening/testing may be required.
Work environment: Office/clinic setting with normal safety precautions and the ability to handle multiple tasks in occasionally stressful situations.
Duties
Operate MRI equipment to capture high‑quality diagnostic images in accordance with radiologist protocol and physician specifications.
Verify patient identification and review medical history relevant to the MRI procedure.
Screen patients for contraindications such as metal implants or pacemakers.
Explain the MRI procedure clearly and address concerns to ensure patient understanding and comfort; reduce anxiety.
Provide thorough patient education regarding the procedure, including expectations, duration, and noise levels.
Communicate clearly with patients, especially those who are anxious, claustrophobic, or in pain.
Deliver patient care tailored to meet the cognitive, emotional, and developmental needs of adult and geriatric patients.
Perform MRI exams on head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities with and without contrast; perform magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) exams of veins and arteries throughout the body.
Prepare, position, and immobilize patients accurately and comfortably in the MRI scanner using cushions, straps, or supports to ensure comfort, patient safety, and high‑quality imaging while minimizing motion artifacts.
Select and use appropriate imaging protocols based on clinical indications, the patient’s requisition, and the radiologist’s or SAO protocol.
Perform and complete imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre‑op, urgent, and routine exams.
Review all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness, and desired date.
Investigate any questionable details, consult with the radiologist if necessary, and document all relevant information in VistA and/or the patient’s Electronic Health Record.
Modify scan parameters and imaging sequences as needed to accommodate patient condition or image needs; maintain technical proficiency across scanner applications and protocols.
Proactively recommend methods to avoid unnecessary scanning and maintain equipment functionality awareness.
Work schedule: 12:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Monday‑Friday.
Permanent Change of Station (relocation assistance): Not authorized.
Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time per year (13‑26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays).
Parental leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care.
Child care subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of eligible costs (maximum $416.66 per month).
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer contribution.
Health insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care (many programs can be carried into retirement).
Telework: Not available.
Seniority level Entry level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Health Care Provider
Industries Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr