Career Center

Summary

Incumbent operates magnetic resonance unit within the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Service and performs daily inspection of magnets to ensure proper mechanical functionality. Incumbent may be asked to perform routine Quality Control testing. MRI technology is still evolving - and patient exams may utilize standard and nonstandard protocols. The operator will be involved in new techniques - defining optimal protocols - and devising alternative ways to visualize pathology within the patient.

Qualifications

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
• Specialty Assignment: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• 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 (MRI) certification
• 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)
• 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)
• 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 Grade Determinations: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08 directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-09 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: 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 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: See VA directive and Handbook 5019
• The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting - 45 pounds or over
• moderate carrying 15-45 pounds
• pushing - pulling - and reaching above shoulders up to 4 hours
• use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required)
• prolonged walking - standing - and/or sitting
• repeated bending
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• hearing (aid not permitted in Zone 4)
• and speed in working
• Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include but are not limited to: Performs magnetic resonance imaging of the head and body including - but not limited to: brain - face - larynx - nasopharynx - neck - orbits - paranasal sinus - parotid glands - tongue and oropharynx - TMJ - chest - cardiac - cervical spine - thoracic spine - lumbo-sacral spine - brachial plexus - abdomen - (adrenal - kidney - liver - pancreas - elastography - and PDFF) - pelvis (bladder - prostate - scrotum - rectum) - shoulder - elbow - wrist/hand - hip - knee - and foot/ankle
• Complex procedures including - but not limited to: MRA chest - abdomen - pelvis - aorta - carotid bifurcations - circle of willis - vertebral/basilar arteries - liver - renal - spinal canal - MRV superior sagittal sinus - MR iliac veins - MR spectroscopy - MRCP - runoffs - prostate - cardiac - breast - biopsies - defecography - and MRI research exams
• Screens patients prior to the exam to determine if there are any contraindications to the procedure or to the patient being exposed to a magnetic field Monitors special equipment such as pulse oximeter - ECG - infusion pumps - oxygen equipment - and respirators Properly labels - secures - prepares IV contrast as necessary and injects patients with contrast media under supervision of a physician to enhance tissue - lesions - etc
• Maintains good patient care by checking IV's - catheter - monitors and oxygen set-up throughout the patient's stay in the department
• Follows established protocols and does not make permanent changes to established protocol unless directed by their supervisor or a Radiologist
• Monitor the examination by checking computations - performances and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer-generated data and images Perform clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer
• Performs image capture - retrieval - and archiving functions
• Prepares magnet for daily operation - brings system up - checks all self calibrating parameters
• Independently completes standard examinations
• Advises radiologist of scan observations
• Notifies radiologist of significant scans requiring immediate attention or real-time visualization
• Directs and assists with training programs for new MRI technologists - physicians in training - and general clinical employees
• This posting includes weeknights and weekend tours
• Participating in rotating technologist on call schedule is required Performs MRI exams in a manner that optimizes patient workflow - while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate emergency patients who may need immediate attention Follows department procedures - and coordinates with multiple clinics and providers - to accommodate specialized exams and high-risk patients
• Cardiology and Electro Physiology for lCD/pacemakers - Neurology for Deep Brain Stimulators - Anesthesia for sedated patients - and Intervention radiology for MSK arthrograms Performs all varieties of MRI studies including Cardiac - Neuro - Body - Breast - MSK - and Vascular exams
• Over 25% of these studies will be comprised of more complex exams: prostate - breast - cardiac - and research procedures Perform Angio/Vascular procedures including contrast enhanced
• Maintains the highest degree of MRI safety possible on all patient populations
• Thorough patient screening - attention to SAR levels - acoustic noise - and adverse reactions to contrast are monitor closely
• Ability to provide emergency response in an MRI suite for rapid response and CODE situations
• Takes part in MRI safety drills and quarterly safety meetings Maintains proper cleanliness and stocking in the MRI suite Other duties as assigned
• An advanced ARRT certification is required for this assignment in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday and weekends
• Various Tours
• This Position supports 24/7 operations throughout the calendar year
• Work is typically performed on the day and evening shift
• however - candidate may be subject to overtime work - shift work - and/or work on rotating shifts to include evenings - weekends - and holidays
• Subject to call back outside tour of duty Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) GS-0647-09 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized