Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR)

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR)

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Houston, Texas

Salary Range: $89135 - $115882 Per Year

Job Summary: The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is seeking a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to work in the Diagnostic Imaging Service, Magnetic Resonance Imaging section within the facility. This position will be located in Houston, TX. Employee at this level is considered fully functional and able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. Performs technical work in support of Diagnostic Radiology under the direct supervision of a physician.

Major Duties:

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The duties of the advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Diagnostic Imaging Service include, but are not limited to: Operates MRI equipment to capture high-quality diagnostic images in accordance with radiologists' protocol and physician's specifications. Verifies patient identification and reviews medical history relevant to the MRI procedure. Screens patients for contraindications such as metal implants or pacemakers. Explains the MRI procedure clearly and addresses any concerns to ensure patient understanding and comfort, reducing any anxiety. Delivers patient care tailored to meet the cognitive, emotional, and developmental needs of adult and geriatric patients. Performs various MRI exams on head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities, with and without contrast. Performs Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) exams of the veins and arteries throughout the body, including those in the brain, neck, heart, chest, abdomen, pelvis and limbs. Prepares, positions, and immobilizes patients accurately and comfortably in the MRI scanner using cushions, straps, or supports to ensure comfort, patient safety, high-quality imaging, and to minimize motion artifacts. Reviews all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness, and desired date. They investigate any questionable details and consult with the radiologist, if necessary; documents all relevant information in VistA and/or the patient's Electronic Health Record before contacting the patient to perform the exam. Maintains technical proficiency among the variety of scanners their perspective applications and protocols. Optimizes scan times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patients. Inserts intravenous (IV) lines for contrast administration using aseptic technique, ensuring proper vein selection and secure placement. Technologist must maintain venipuncture competency. Participates in quality control and assurance programs to maintain optimal imaging procedures. Performs routine checks and basic troubleshooting on MRI equipment. Reports and documents any incidents, equipment malfunctions, or safety concerns in a timely manner. Maintains an organized and well-stocked MRI suite, including medical supplies, contrast agents, IV kits, syringes, PPE, linens and disinfectants. Independently organizes and completes assignments in a safe and timely manner. Aids team members as needed. Assists radiologist, other technologist, students from affiliated institutions and other health care professionals, as MEDVAMC is a teaching institute. The technologist must possess computer proficiency for effective use of technology in managing patient information, documentation and communication within a healthcare setting. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 12:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. 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 total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-00184-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Qualifications: 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: Must be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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 the technologist 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). 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). 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. Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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 (*): 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 patients. Preferred Experience: Certified as an MRI Technologist; Minimum 1 year as an MRI Technologist. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/01/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12938072. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-01