Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of super conducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The practitioner must have specific specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy. The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. 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. 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. 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 (MR). English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-10 Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist 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. These include: 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. AND Certification: ARRT R MR AND Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. ii. 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. iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. iv. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT.
Duties include, but are not limited to: Diagnostic radiologic procedures and examinations (e.g., x-ray, fluoroscopy, and bone density) in hospitals or clinics are performed under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All diagnostic radiologic technologists must be knowledgeable in Digital Radiography (DR) systems and components and Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS). MRI Functions: Safeguards the MRI Scanning environment sufficient to always maintain a safe condition. Employees observe patient safety guidelines as set forth in department and Medical Center policies and procedures. Provides input for the development of policy and procedure for the MRI section, pursuant to the delivery of MRI services at the highest possible standard of patient safety, in accordance with the recommendations of the American College of Radiology, The Joint Commission and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) policies. In conjunction with the radiologist, develops, maintains, and improves a system of examination protocols to standardize examination appearance, to tailor the images obtained to the pathologic condition being investigated, and to optimize the benefit to the patient being examined. Trains other personnel in MRI principles, procedures, capabilities, techniques, and equipment. Explain concepts and principles of the methodology and its use and limitations as a diagnostic tool. Interprets requests and instructions from medical providers, under the guidance of the Radiologist. Properly identifies patient by confirming patient name and social security number. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. Informs the patient about the examination, securing their trust, confidence, and cooperation. Fully screens each patient for contra-indications or risk factors for any of the techniques that are to be used in the examination. Collaboration with the Radiologist will take place in the presence of any of the above, and the examination and/or the patient's post procedural care will be adjusted accordingly. Under the direction of the Radiologist or Licensed Independent Provider (LIP) the technologist prepares labels and administers contrast agents according to signed orders. Technologists are required to maintain adequate competency to insert an appropriate IV catheter and the use of automated or manual injection techniques according to signed contrast orders. Ensures that the contrast injection and the scanning sequences are timed appropriately so that the desired vascular phase images are obtained. Positions the patient and the image cut planes correctly for high quality views and will vary the patient position and cut planes as necessary to adjust for the patient's medical condition and abilities. Adjusts all operator controllable parameters of the MRI equipment, ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct, calculated exposure to variable magnetic fields, radio wave signals, or ionizing radiation. Technologists use their specialized knowledge of anatomy to correctly visualize the desired features of the patient. Actively participates and monitors quality control program parameters. Reports deviations in Q.C. tests and defects in MRI and Imaging equipment, power injector, and patient monitor to MRSO, supervisor, and biomedical engineer for repair or calibration. Maintains equipment malfunction and downtime log. Maintains effective relationships with manufacturer service representatives to help diagnose and fix equipment over the phone and in person. Monitors temperature in Computer room and Control room and notify Facilities Management (Engineering) when temperature is out of range required for MRI computer operation. Assures migration of images from the MRI and Imaging unit to the Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) is correct and complete. Observes all patients under their care for change in condition, reporting to medical authorities as necessary to insure the health and wellbeing of the patient. Work Schedule: Full-time; Monday-Friday, 0730-1600 Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized