Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General DRT/MRI/CT)

Summary This position is located at the Cheyenne VA Medical Center in Cheyenne - Wyoming - acts as an Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and is responsible for the performance and coordination of MRI under the direction of a Radiologist. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. 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 PolicyCertification: 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 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 technologistEducation: 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)Grade Determinations for GS-10 Advanced DRT: a) 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 levelb) Must demonstrate all of the following technical Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs)- -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) studiesPreferred Experience: Advanced AART (MR) & (CT) References: VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Appendix G25 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist VA Qualification Standards The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10Physical Requirements: Bending - pushing - pulling - reaching and occasional kneeling - crawling and squattinglifting - carrying - bending - and manipulation of equipmentpatient assistance and positioningwalking and prolonged standingthe ability to read written orders - computer screens - patient records - and equipment controlsand the ability to communicate with patients - physicians - and coworkersNear visual acuity to assess patient's physical condition when performing exams and evaluating images for diagnostic qualityMust be able to speak and hear to communicate with patientsability to make critical decisions - interact with patients of different ages and health conditions - maintain patient confidentiality - work under stressful conditions. Duties This specialty modality requires additional familiarity of super conducting magnets - the physics of superconducting magnets - and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imagingThe technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients - visitors - and equipment enterThe technologist must have specific specialized familiarity of cross-sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human bodyThe technologist must also have specialized familiarity in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imagedDuties may include - but are not limited to: Safeguards the MRI scanning environment sufficient to always maintain a safe conditionThe technologist observes patient safety guidelines as set forth in department and Medical Center policies and proceduresProvides 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 - Joint Commission and VHA policiesIn 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 examinedTrains other personnel in MRI principles - procedures - capabilities - techniques - and equipmentExplains concepts and principles of the methodology and its use and limitations as a diagnostic toolUnder the guidance of the Radiologist - interprets requests and instructions from medical providersInforms the patient about the examination - securing their trust - confidence - and cooperationFully screens each patient for contra-indications or risk factors for any of the techniques that are to be used in the examinationCollaboration 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 accordinglyUnder the direction of the Radiologist or Licensed Independent Provider (LIP) the technologist prepares - labels - and administers contrast agents according to signed ordersThe technologist is required to maintain adequate competency to insert an appropriate Intravenous Line (IV) catheter and the use of automated or manual injection techniques according to signed contrast ordersEnsures that the contrast injection and the scanning sequences are timed appropriately so that the desired vascular phase images are obtainedPositions 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 abilitiesAdjusts 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 radiationThe technologist uses their specialized familiarity of anatomy to correctly visualize the desired features of the patientActively participates and monitors quality control program parametersReports deviations inQuality Control tests and defects in MRI and Imaging equipment - power injector - and patient monitor to the Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO) - supervisor - and biomedical engineer for repair or calibrationMaintains equipment malfunction and downtime logMaintains effective relationship with manufacturer service representative to help diagnose and fix equipment over the phone and in personMonitors temperature in Computer room and Control room and notifies Facilities Management (Engineering) when temperature is out of range required for MRI computer operationWork Schedule: Full-time - Monday-Friday - 1:00pm-9:30pm Telework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 54547A