The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), MRI Technologist employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and completes assigned tasks independently and trained to work in difficult and complex modalities. DRT is an operator of the super conductive Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner (MRI) and operates a magnet of 1.5 and 3 Tesla. The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist requires knowledge in location, appearance, and function of major and minor systems.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed independently: 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. 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). English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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. Grade Determinations (GS10): In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: GS-10 Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS9) level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology and intermediate QM type duties within the program. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (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 (MRI), studies. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Preferred Experience: Experience operating Siemens MRI equipment, CPRS & VISTA References: VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647, Dated December 13, 2019.The actual grade at which an applicant will be selected for this vacancy is GS-10. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: 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.
The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), MRI Technologist employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and completes the assigned tasks independently and are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as providing general diagnostic procedures in a therapeutic setting. These exams are performed with and without use of IV and oral contrast materials. Position is an operator of the super conductive Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner (MRI) and operates a magnet of 1.5 and 3 Tesla. This specialty modality requires specific knowledgeable of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in MRI, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including peripheral vascular examinations. The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of particular interest to the physician. This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Major duties include but are not limited to the following: Employee is responsible for providing complex 3D post processing for complex exams on advanced workstations including, but not limited to, cardiac imaging studies, MIP projections for all runoffs and stroke protocols, brain perfusion, and DTI. Assists physicians and other investigators in the development and execution of research protocols and maintaining the records to validate the research project or funding grant. Assists and develops training programs for new Computerized Imaging Specialists, physicians in training, and general clinical employees. Possesses knowledge of MRI safety and ability apply the principles of MRI physics to safety-related decision making and able to adjust scan parameters. Monitor the examination by checking computations, performances and results of the selected parameters, to obtain diagnostic computer data and images and 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. Assists manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions in the equipment used in MR; notifies the Lead Technologist of any failure or required service and maintains operator/service logs. Maintains archives of recording media and film files. 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. Maintains inventory of lab, medical, and computer supplies and initiates procedures to replenish stock and to receive stock supplies. Performs or monitors safety, checks on patients, employees and visitors to comply with FDA safety standards regarding ferrous objects and cardiac pacemakers prior to those persons entering the environment of the five (5) Gauss magnetic field. Assists in preparation of manuals and assists in devising modifying procedures as necessary. Responsible for selecting proper technical factors on an individual patient basis, and operating the equipment. New equipment will be evaluated and new methods will be compared with existing methods. Programs technical factors by interrogating computer console and responding with inputs and responsible for the quality assurance of the image prior to transmission to the PACS network. Accurately and routinely performs the associated DHCP, CPRS GUI and imaging network responsibilities that relate to a patient examination and the patient's record and trained in containment and isolation techniques to protect themselves and others from contamination. Performs other duties as assigned by the service line to ensure efficient work flow and high customer satisfaction. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 0730am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized