This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR), position is assigned to the Medical Imaging, Radiology Service, Magnetic Resonance Imaging section.The Technologist performs MRI examinations and additional job functions within the MRI Department 100 percent of the time. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist, employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and carries out the assigned tasks independently.
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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Citizenship. 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.) English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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 that the incumbent [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 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).] Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. Preferred additional certification: CPR - must have current American Heart Basic CPR Certification. In addition to the basic requirements above the following is the amount of experience required to qualify for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) at the GS-10 grade level. GS-10 Grade Requirements: Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: - Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. - Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. - Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. - Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.] Preferred Experience: Must possess progressive experience equivalent to the next lower grade in Federal service (GS-09) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics related to the duties of this position. Specialized experience is defined as having specific knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imagining; education and knowledge in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter; specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body; specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged; knowledge in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS10 to. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Maintains knowledge of all department and MRI section policies. Performs irregular hour emergency scans on call, 24 hours per day, coverage. May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations. Responsible for assuming various rotating schedules as determined by the Operations Manager. Performs all aspects of MRI imaging; special imaging procedures such as Arthrograms, MRA/MRV angiography exams, and Advanced level imaging to include MRI Cardiac imaging. Responsible for the maintenance of Level 1 and Level 2 MRI safety training, screening patients and other who enter the MRI suite. Responsible for operating and maximizing utilization of a wide variety of highly sophisticated imaging equipment; power injectors, 3D Reconstruction Software, Siemens 1.5T Sola, Siemens 1.5T Espree and Siemens 3T Skyra MRI scanners in addition to others required. Uses independent judgement and possesses the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions. Technologist works under the supervision of the MRI Supervisor and Lead MRI Technologist and rotates all responsibilities within the MRI section. Incumbent will also support the diagnostic radiology section by providing coverage in this area, as needed. Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service procedure manual for guidelines on MRI Safety, Administration of Contrast Media, and all other relevant Radiology policies and procedures. Have a good working knowledge of the appointment and scheduling system in Vista. Ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient. Maintains adequate supplies and contrast used in the department. Properly identifies patient verbally by using two identifiers. Responsible for minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations, using protective equipment when required and provided. Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace. Ensures complete and thorough knowledge of the employee competency folder, maintain the ability to review each section with complete understanding of the individual requirements. Continually reviews new developments in the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI. Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of electronically secured spreadsheets, registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system. All other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 3:00PM to 11:30PM, Monday through Friday with rotating weekends (TBD). Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.