This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (ADRT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is assigned to the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center (RMRVAMC), Imaging Service; MRI Section within the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) in Aurora, Colorado. RMRVAMC is a complex level 1A1 Medical Center which provides a full range of state-of-the-art patient care services to include a 182-bed hospital with a 30-bed spinal cord injury and disorders service.
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. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(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). Grade Determinations: 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. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, 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: General MRI experience in a medical center. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is 9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 9. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.
VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties & skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to: Operate a wide variety of imaging equipment in MRI to obtain examinations of acceptable quality while limiting the amount of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for diagnosis & localization purposes. Perform MRI of the spine, head, neck, abdomen, pelvis, extremities, breast, & cardiac studies. Perform MRI of the peripheral & visceral vessels through MR angiography of the abdominal systems & extremities to include renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, & others according to current protocols. Perform venipuncture & adhere to guidance regarding administration of contrast media, use of power injectors, & gadolinium. Process studies through post processing software & the Picture Archive Communication System (PACS). Maintain electronic records of exams performed on patients. Register & edit patient exams in the computerized information system. Ensure all images & required paperwork are properly completed. Scan patient related documents into PACS, on the correct patient. Appropriately process orders through all imaging scheduling software & document. Complete orders management & technologist approvals for scheduling parameters. Prepare contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist. Respond to patient reactions that may require immediate attention to prevent harm to the patient. Must follow MRI safety guidance, report & document safety issues & incidents in the electronic health record, patient safety reporting tool & to the supervisor immediately upon occurrence. Must adhere to all service, section & national policies & directives. Assist with the appointment & scheduling system in Vista & special Imaging scheduling software. Review & interpret all radiology study orders for accuracy & appropriateness; review orders, protocols, screening information for accuracy, note & research all questionable information prior to tech approval & performance of the exam. Complete imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent & routine exams. Coordinate examinations that require radiologist direction around physician availability, maximizing exam room effectiveness. Must optimize scan times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Complete scheduled patients as well as accommodate the emergency patient in coordination with hospital staff. Perform MR guided biopsy exams utilizing sterile technique. Prepare sterile trays, properly label medications dispensed to sterile trays, gather required supplies, & ensure measures are taken to prevent contamination of the patient & equipment. Maintain adequate supplies & pharmaceuticals used in the department. Inventory & restock all supplies & monitoring expiration dates. Notify the supervisor & supply chain management of supply issues. Determine technical factors to produce optimal MRI studies. Appropriately vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions & body habitus. Consult with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams & document in the electronic health record. Properly identify patients. Verify correct MRI scan, correct amount & type of contrast administered, timelines for any timed examinations, patient position, & all other identifying markers. Perform minor equipment adjustments, repairs & exercises care in the handling & safeguarding of all equipment. Must participate in the afterhours call rotation. Work Schedule: Various Tours Pay: Competitive salary & 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) 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) & 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 #: 554-52095-A