Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI/CT/X-Ray)

About the role

This position is in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Richmond VA Medical Center, VISN 6. The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout all clinical and other Veteran care areas involved within the Richmond VA Radiology Section. This position reports directly to the Richmond VAMC MRI Supervisor and will be expected to work closely in conjunction with the Radiology leadership.

Responsibilities

• Duties include but are not limited to:
• General Diagnostic and CT
• Routine examinations, portables, fluoroscopy, and the operating room.
• Full range of diagnostic and interventional examinations, complex CT angiography, CT portography, 3-D computer reconstruction, and complex computer measurements and manipulations.
• MRI
• Perform magnetic resonance imaging of heads and bodies which include, but are 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), pelvis (bladder, prostate, scrotum), shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, hip, knee, and foot/ankle.
• Perform 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, and MRI research exams.
• Properly identifying images with patient's full name and social security number.
• Properly marking radiographs/images: right or left markers, so as not to obscure anatomic detail; technologist's number or initials; date and time completed; indicating supine, erect or decubitus view. Case number must be present on all films/images.
• Screening 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 (such as metallic foreign bodies, contraindicated medical devices, etc.).
• Ensuring that the MRI lab complies with American College of Radiology Technologic Imaging Standards.
• Knowledge of the medical equipment that may be attached to the patient when they are in the Radiology Service for their examination.
• Receiving patient, explaining methods of procedure, positioning patients and making exposures necessary for the requested examination.
• Preparing IV contrast as necessary and injecting patients with contrast media under supervision of a Radiology physician to enhance tissue, lesions, etc.
• Monitoring the examination by checking computations, performances, and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer-generated data and images.
• Sending all appropriate images to PACS. Verifying images are present for Radiologist Viewing in the PACS system.

Requirements

Employees at this level are fully functional as Advanced Diagnostic Radiology Technologist, in General Diagnostic X-ray, MRI and CT sections, and can carry other assigned tasks independently. The advanced DRT (MRI/CT/X-ray) will maintain ARRT certification in Radiography (R), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Computed Tomography (CT).

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.
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• 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) duties, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed independently: 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.

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). Transcripts required.

IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE, YOU MUST MEET THE GRADE REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION.

GS-10 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-09 directly related to the position being filled. This includes working on assigned tasks independently; Experience with varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program; Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure; Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography; Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions; Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients; Preparing and administering contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations; knowledge in digital radiography (DR), and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS); and Interpreting examination request accurately.

In addition, you must have experience which demonstrates the following 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 within CT and MRI studies.