Career Center

Summary

This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) - position is assigned to the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System - Medical Imaging Service- Magnetic Resonance Imaging section. TVHS is a 1a complexity facility that provides services in specialized and complex areas of diagnostic imaging. Transplants of the kidneys and liver - research - and complex vascular surgery cases are performed at the facility.

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
• Certification in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is required
• 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
• 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: Advanced Diagnostic Technologist - MRI -GS-10 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
• 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 - Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations - and intermediate QM type duties within the program
• The candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs
• Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: 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 (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
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10
• 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
• Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

Duties

• The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist - employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and is able to carry out the assigned tasks independently
• He/ She performs the most complex imaging studies available in the modality as required of a 1a complexity facility
• The assignment requires expert specialization in complex areas of magnetic resonance imaging and the associated safety requirements associated with working in a potentially dangerous ferromagnetic environment
• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include but not limited to: Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality utilizing the standardized amount of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes
• This includes but is not limited to: 1.5 T - 3T - and LOW FIELD magnet including all other duties assigned
• Knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and physiology including location - appearance - and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases
• Performs all aspects of MRI imaging of the spine - head - neck - chest - studies including but not limited to Head - Neck - Chest - Abdomen - Pelvis - and Extremities - utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis
• Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff - as mandated by Medical Center and Infection Control
• Performs advanced level aspects of MRI Imaging - such as MR Breast - MR Cardiac - and MR Neuro studies utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in MRI - to include MR Angiography and other exams
• Technologist receives and interprets MRI requests for accuracy - appropriateness
• date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS
• Thoroughly reviews the MRI orders screening information for accuracy - noting and researching all questionable information prior to contacting the patient or performing the exam
• Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat - preop - urgent and routine exams
• Coordinates examinations that require radiologist direction around physician availability - maximizing exam room effectiveness
• Independently identifies - performs and completes inpatient radiology exams whenever possible - to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment for hospitalized patients
• Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7AM- 3:30PM 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 #: 70276-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized