Summary

This position is located at Diagnostic Imaging Service with VA San Diego Healthcare System. The incumbent will perform as a fully functional diagnostic radiologic technologist in the specialization of MRI. The incumbent will support radiologists or other medical professionals to produce imaging studies used to diagnose medical conditions -

Qualifications

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 (ARRT) (R)
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT) - magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in the duration (or the equivalent in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program - evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree - accredited by the Joint Review Committee of Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE)
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) GS-09: 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*)
• *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still 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 techniques and universal precautions
• *Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• Preferred Experience: 3+ years of dedicated MRI experience and in a acute facility highly preferred.2+ years of radiological experience is preferred
• Reference: VA Handbook 5005/119 - Part II - Appendix G25 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting - moderate carrying - reaching above shoulders - use of fingers and hands required - walking - standing - and repeated bending.

Duties

• This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until April 30 - 2026
• The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be November 1 - 2025 - with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month
• Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled
• Major duties include - but are not limited to: Incumbent will be required to perform all aspects of MRI
• Monitor patient during all phases of the examination - removing the patient from the influence of the magnetic field upon completion of the data acquisition
• Coordinate with the radiologist to determine the most ideal pulse sequences and other parameters necessary to accomplish a highly quality examination
• Program all technical factors by integrating computer console and choose the most effective coil for producing the correct signal
• Record all computer and scanning data on film and/or optical disc
• Maintains all monitoring data pertinent to patient and equipment information and usage
• Performs and maintaining a monitoring system for quality assurance purposes and complies with FDA Safety Standards regarding ferrous objects and cardiac pacemakers prior to these persons entering the environment of the 5 gauss magnetic field
• Assist manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions and all equipment associated with the MRI unit
• Schedule - register - and status track all exams utilizing VISTA (Radiology Package)
• Maintain CPR certification
• Ensure that all images are sent to VISTA/RAD upon completion of examination
• Reports all equipment problems to Supervisory Diagnostic Technologist or Chief Technologist
• Proactively identifies administrative - clinical or mechanical problems and defines solutions thereof
• Treats patients and visitors with courtesy and respect
• Performs assigned duties with no supervision during irregular hours to ensure adequate patient examinations
• Advises the Radiologist of examinations which require immediate attention while the patient is still undergoing the examination
• Responsible for setting up and positioning patients - provides immobilization devices - selects proper technical factors on an individual patient basis - and operates the equipment
• Monitors the examination by checking computations - performances and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer data and images
• Performs clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer and records the computer data on film - magnetic tape and printer plotter paper
• Performs technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer - disk drives - console - imaging devices - etc
• Uses computer programs with competence - and establishes and monitors quality control programs
• Coordinates daily schedule and consults with hospital physicians - clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to the next day and future day's availability for patient examinations
• Assists in preparation of manuals - and assists in devising modifying procedures as necessary
• Work Schedule: Various times (Holidays and on-call as needed for patient care needs) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Recruitment Incentives: Yes Financial Disclosure Report: Not Authorized