Summary

Performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head - neck spine - chest and body. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic MRI studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated.

Qualifications

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
• 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).] Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)
• This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets - the physics of superconducting magnets - and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging
• The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients - visitors - and equipment enter
• The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body
• The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged
• [This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties
• Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media - power injectors - and PACS
• DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.] 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 9: (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) Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
• 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
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i
• *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• ii
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• iii
• *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• iv
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• v
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• vi
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• Preferred Experience: MRI Registered 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 9
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Major Duties and Responsibilities: Performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head - neck spine - chest and body
• These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials
• The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic MRI studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated
• Functions: Participates in scheduling of exams in a manner so as to optimize all of the MRI scanner times while maintaining flexibility to allow for emergency cases
• Confers with radiologists 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
• Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team
• Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam
• Practices patient safety related to contrast materials that are used in MRI
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run 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
• Practices MRI and patient safety in order to prevent the introduction of metal in the scanner area and to reduce radiofrequency exposure to patients - staff and self
• Assists clerks by contacting outpatients by phone to confirm MRI appointments (weekdays only)
• Screens patients by phone and before each exam for MRI contraindications as outlined in the radiology safety policy and procedure
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• Properly identifies patient by full name - full SSN - and full DOB
• Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Radiology Service policy
• Responsible for stocking and inventory of all MRI supplies and related material
• Continually reviews new developments in MRI technology
• Prepares and administers contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams that require injectable solutions for MRI
• Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be performed as well as any potential hazards
• Performs irregular hour emergency scans on standby - 24hours per day - coverage
• Responsible for daily QA activities required for the safe operations of the MRI equipment and use of supplies
• Will document or record data as necessary
• Other duties as assigned
• Supervisory Controls: Works independently - but confers with radiologists on more difficult problems
• Incumbent is under the direct supervision of the Chief Technologist
• Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives by the Lead technologist
• The incumbent uses initiative in solving problems within the section and reports unusual problems to Lead Technician and/or the Chief Technologist
• Work Schedule: Variable 10 hour shifts - Weekends 7am - 5pm or 9am - 7 pm / Weekday 2 pm - 12 am Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and 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) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• 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) and 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 #: 92945-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not required