Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI/CT

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. 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: Education Requirements listed under Education English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)GRADE REQUIREMENTS Creditable Experience: (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology PracticeTo be creditable - experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practiceThis may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice - which is paid or non- paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT(2) Quality of ExperienceExperience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b aboveExperience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examinationSpecialized Assignments: Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R) - bone densitometry (BD) - mammography (M) - diagnostic ultrasound (S) - computed tomography (CT) - magnetic resonance imaging (MR) - interventional radiologic technology (IR) - quality management (QM) - picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist - MRI safety officer (MRSO) - imaging administrator - clinical program director - and clinical instructorMagnetic 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 imagingThe technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients - visitors - and equipment enterThe practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human bodyThe technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imagedThis assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program dutiesTechnologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media - power injectors - and PACSDRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR)certificationComputed Tomography (CT):This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or - multi-slice computer tomography - inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans - including drainages - biopsies - and peripheral vascular examinationsThe technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location - appearance - and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illuminationto interpret the examination request accuratelyto understand the functioning and inter- relationship of the various organsto use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor - or on film - and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physicianDRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certificationGrade Determinations In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria MUST be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: GS-10 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that levelExperience at the GS-09 level includes: Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independentlyDRTs 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 programRegardless 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 and MUST DEMONSTRATE ALL demonstrate all of the following technical GS-9 KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and proceduresKnowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedureivKnowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiographyKnowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautionsKnowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patientsThe 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) studies Preferred Experience: ARRT credentialed and working in Xray - CT - MRI 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-10Physical Requirements are listed under Additional Information Duties DUTIES: - The incumbent performs computed tomography (CT) and MRI examinations on all body regions - including 3-dimensional reconstructions - maximum intensity projections - and CT angiography- General diagnostic radiography to include - but not limited to diagnostic x-rays of all body regions - bone-length examinations - and bone surveys- Technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physicianThe technologist operates various types of radiographic equipment in the Imaging Service and on the floor- Supports radiologists or other medical officers to produce diagnostic radiographic studies used to diagnose medical conditionsComputed Tomography (CT) The incumbent will:- Interpret requests or instructions from radiologist or providers.- Verify orders with patient historyIf patient is unable to give history - the technologist will verify the order with the patient medical record and clarify any discrepancy with the ordering provider before proceeding with the examination.- Properly identify the patient and the imageUse left and right markersThis is essential so that mistaken identity does not occurThe technologist must ask the patients full name - full social security number - and birth date.- Explain procedures - positions patients for desired results - and cushions patients as appropriateProvide education to patients and their families on Imaging procedure- Prepare oral - rectal - and injectable contrast materials and other chemical mixtures as necessary.- Administer contrast material - under the direction of the radiologist - according to protocols.- Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort - ward secretaries - nursing personnel - etc.- The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.- Will perform multiplanar reformations - 3-dimensional reconstructions - maximum intensity projections - and CT angiographyMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) The incumbent will:- Perform or monitor safety checks on patients - employees - and visitors to comply with FDA safety standards regarding ferrous objects and cardiac pacemakers prior to those persons entering the environment of the five (5) Gauss magnetic field.- Interacts with patients - explains exam procedures - positions patients within the MRI scanner - monitors patients during all phases of the examination - and records all patient exam information for permanent record.- Checks medications and contrast allergies prior to administering contrast material and documents in patient record.- Adhere to all MRI standard operating procedures (SOPs).- Perform technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer - console - imaging devices - etcThe incumbent assists manufacturer representatives and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions in the equipment - notifies the Immediate Supervisor of any failure or required service- Is responsible for the quality assurance of the image (positioning/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PAC's networkWork Schedule: Variable as to needs of the Service(This person would be rotating shifts to cover weekends/eve/days as needed for service coverage.) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 25052F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentiveContact visn5edrpcoordinators@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistanceLearn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Available