Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) performs digital radiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head, neck spine, chest and body. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be initiated.

Duties

Schedules exams in a manner to optimize all the radiographic equipment including the MRI scanner times while maintaining a flexibility to allow for emergency cases. This requires the prioritization of scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the extreme emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of MRI scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition (the alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc.) Prepares contrast materials that are used in MRI and general exams. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. Practices MRI safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the healthcare system and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Uses the PACs system for retrieval of images to be printed to a laser camera. Also, must have knowledge to load and unload laser camera. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes patient logbooks, requisition and editing of patient exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS), copying of films, etc. Properly identifies patient through the RIS interface identifier and left/right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient films does not occur. The radiographer must be certain that the patient I.D. band and the request are identical. Asks each patient to verbally confirm his or her name and social security last four numbers. Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Radiology Service policy. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all MRI and general imaging supplies and related material. Continually reviews new developments in MRI and general imaging. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of examinations utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide the physicians and patients with the best possible films and scans for diagnostic purposes. Responsible for assuming various rotating schedules as determined by the Chief, Radiology Service. The rotation may include general imaging, MRI. Performs irregular hour emergency exams with on-call coverage for nights, weekends, and holidays. The schedule is on rotational basis based on number of qualified staff. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 10:30am-7:00pm; Subject to change based on the needs of the facility. 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 #: 629-01297-F

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications and evaluation

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: 1. Current permanent VA employees of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System 2. Current permanent Veterans Healthcare Administration employees; 3. All other VA employees 4. Current Permanent Federal employees of other agencies 5. All other applicants IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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 08/17/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13026770. 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.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Professional Certification Resume Transcript Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field. Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. Resume Requirement: Your resume must include the following information: Job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment, and average hours worked per week. SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Eligibility): Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee: Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License CV/Resume Other (2) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Selections from this announcement will be made without regard to Veterans' preference in accordance with OCHCO Bulletin dated 9/25/2025.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.