The technologist serves as the MRI Safety Officer (MRSO) for the Durham VA Healthcare System (HCS), covering the Durham main campus as well as the Garner and Greenville outpatient clinics. This role involves responsibilities that exceed full performance level, including managing an effective screening program, development of MRI-safe scanning protocols, and training of MR and Non-MR staff on MR safe practices.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS. 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.) 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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] 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. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). GRADE REQUIREMENTS. Creditable Experience 1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), [ ] magnetic resonance imaging (MR), [ ] [interventional radiologic technology (IR)], quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor. MR Safety Officer (MRSO). This special assignment requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to human anatomy and the magnetic effect on non-removable devices. Technologists operating as an MRSO work to support and maintain an MR safety program. Duties of the position include management of an effective screening program, development of MRI-safe scan protocols, and training of MR and Non-MR staff on MR safe practices. [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-10 (1) 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. (2) 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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: (a) [Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO). Employees who are qualified to work in the MRI modality (advanced certification) have expert specialization at this grade level. The MRSO operates with full responsibility for training, developing, and directing the MR safety program. Duties may include coordination of MR safety committee meetings, evaluation of hospital equipment to ensure MR safe operation, and oversight of employee and patient MR screening programs. Coordinates training of hospital staff and ensures maintenance of educational documentation. MRSO certification is highly desirable for this level of complexity. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Knowledge of safety requirements for physical space pertaining to MR imaging area. ii. Ability to establish and monitor access and safety requirements for the physical zones. iii. Ability to develop and ensure that adequate written safety procedures, work instructions, emergency procedures, and operating instructions are issued and enforced. iv. Knowledge of hazards posed by magnetic fields on implants, medical devices, hospital equipment and retained foreign bodies, and the development of measures taken against those hazards. v. Ability to train medical, technical, nursing and all other relevant staff groups (including ancillary workers) in all procedural aspects related to MR safety.
Functions: MRSO Functions: a. Subject matter expert for safety requirements for physical space pertaining to MR imaging area. b. Subject matter expert for establishment and monitoring access/safety requirements for the physical zones. c. Develops and ensures the adequate written safety procedures, work instructions, emergency procedures, and operating instructions are issues and enforced. d. Subject matter expert for hazards posed by magnetic fields on implants, medical devices, hospital equipment and retained foreign bodies, and the development of measures taken against those hazards. e. Trains medical, technical, nursing and all other relevant staff groups (including ancillary workers) in all procedural aspects related to MR Safety. f. MRSO maintains all aspects of MRI safety regulatory compliance. g. Responsible for implementing and compliance with regulatory requirements in the MRI environment, including best practices within and outside of the VHA and implementing new policy, procedures, and handbooks. h. Point of contact for representatives from internal and external agencies such as Joint Commission, VISN 6, and VHA as necessary. i. Perform competency reviews for employees within the MRI section. Discusses with imaging management those technologist areas of individual performance improvement and employees who deserve special recognition. j. Develops ongoing and initial competency module for training on MRI equipment and associated medical equipment. k. Provides orientation and training to employees and students within his/her section. l. Trains personnel in MRI principles, procedures, capabilities, techniques, and equipment. Explains concepts and principles of the methodology, along with use and limitations as a diagnostic tool. Develops, adapts, and documents new or changed procedures to accommodate equipment changes or new techniques in MR imaging. m. Guide/coach technologists as necessary on QA/QC protocols, difficult or complex exams, heavy workload flow. Contributes to an environment of teamwork and pleasant workplace. n. Responsible for the quality assurance monitoring of the MRI equipment. o. Continuously monitors and seeks to improve procedures in the MRI section. p. Participates in developing standard operating procedures and new procedures. q. Participate in local, VISN, and National workgroups/committees related to MRI matters. r. The MRSO evaluates and reviews both new technologies and equipment in the field of MRI and makes recommendations for expansion or replacement of technical equipment or practices. s. The MRSO supports the MRI staff with problem solving and conflict resolution with the scope of MRI Safety, reporting all concerns in a timely manner to the relevant supervisor. t. The incumbent assists manufacturer representatives and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions of equipment. Technologist Functions: a. Schedules exams in a manner to optimize all the MRI scanner times while maintaining flexibility to allow for emergency cases. This requires prioritization of the scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the extreme emergency patient who may need emergency surgery, etc. b. Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to work independently as an MRI Technologist. Performs a wide variety of MRI/MRA exams to include complex visualization of vessels and organs by utilizing 3D technology. c. Confers with radiologist 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 and physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. d. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologist and the performance of the exams. 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.) e. Prepares contrast materials that are used in MRI and MRA exams. Improper use or administration of contrast material runs 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 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 the administration of contrast material when necessary. Maintains CPR qualifications and continuing education requirements to maintain their professional license. Work Schedule: 12:30P - 9:00P Telework: Ad-Hoc