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 - 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 or more years of dedicated MRI experience in an acute care facility
• OR 2 or more years of radiologic experience beyond the basic requirements listed above
• 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 May 15 - 2026
• The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 1 - 2026 - 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/Relocation Incentives: Authorized for a highly qualified applicant relocating to the San Diego - CA commuting area
• Financial Disclosure Report: Not Authorized