Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Tech (MRI)

Summary The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) position is to establish "Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR)" for the imaging service at the VA Maryland Health Care System. Employees at this level perform all magnetic resonance imagaing procedures including routine and advanced procedures such as MRA - prostate - breast and cardiac procedures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and propertiesof magnetic fields. 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 PolicyCertificationAll 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 applicableAdvanced certification indicates that the incumbent can operate independently] and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examinationIn 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 technologistEducationCompletion 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 StandardsPublic 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 PersonnelEssentially - 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 fieldEnglish Language ProficiencyDRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)Grade Determinations: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-10: ExperienceAt this grade level - any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexitySuch 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 programThe candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changesAbility 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 exposuresKnowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipmentKnowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studiesReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Duties Major Duties May Inlcude but are not limited to: Employee observes patient safety guidelines as set forth in department and Medical Center policies and proceduresChecks all equipment and report failures to the Lead MRI Technologist or Chief imaging technologistResponsible for screening all MR patients and checking implanted devices if necessary for claranceUses computer programs with competence and establishes and monitors quality control programsMaintains archives of recording mediaCoordinates daily schedule and consults with hospital physicians - clinical and adminsitative personnel pertaining to the next day and future day's availability for patient examinationsTransfer patients to stretcher or wheelchair to MR table using safe transfer techniquesIndependently plans and carries out the work with standing instructions on objectives - priorities - and deadlines and provides guideance for unusually involved situationsCoordinate quality improvement activities withing the MR sectionRecommends areas for review or improvementMay be assigned on-call duties to provide emergency covergae for MRI up to 24 hours per dayRequires the employee to be available to be onsite within 60 mins from receipt of the call so the proper and effective emergency care can be provided for the patientWork Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am- 4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 24162-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO):Not Authorized