Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

About the role

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist /Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) Technologist position is assigned to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - Radiology Service; Magnetic Resonance Imaging section within the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center. Performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head - neck spine - chest and body. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials.

Responsibilities

• Participates in scheduling of exams in a manner so as to optimize all of the MRI scanner times while maintaining flexibility to allow for emergency cases
• This requires the prioritization of scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the extreme emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery - etc
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams
• Determines technical factors - positioning - number and thickness of scans - etc. - to produce and satisfy requirements of MRI scanning
• Provides additional sequences when deemed necessary to ensure adequate coverage of unexpected findings
• Notifies a radiologist or referring physicians of scans requiring their immediate attention
• Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team
• Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam
• Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition (the alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination - recognize patient reactions - anticipate technique factors difficulties - etc)
• P Practices patient safety related to contrast materials that are used in MRI
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and - therefore - it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it
• In addition - must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders
• Practices MRI and patient safety in order to prevent the introduction of metal in the scanner area and to reduce radiofrequency exposure to patients - staff and self
• This is achieved by the use of MRI VA Ann Arbor - MI FS #92945-A screening forms - patient interviews - screening with metal detectors/magnets - and inspection of the work area
• Completes yearly MRI Safety review in a timely manner
• Aids clerks by contacting outpatients by phone to confirm MRI appointments (weekdays only)
• Screens patients by phone and before each exam for MRI contraindications as outlined in the radiology safety policy and procedure
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• This includes patient electronic records - exam requisition - and registering and/or editing of patient exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS) and the retrieving/sending images to the Picture Archiving Computer System (PACS)
• Properly identifies patient by full name - full SSN - and full DOB
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient films does not occur
• The radiographer must be certain that the patient I.Dband and the request are identical
• Asks each patient to verbally confirm his or her full name and full SSN and full date of birth
• Works Schedule: 10 hour shifts
• Weekdays 12:00 PM-10:00 PM - Every other weekend: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM - Rotating holidays and on call

Requirements

• 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)
• 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 Standard: 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
• Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date (December 13 - 2019) of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title - series and grade held - including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level - GS-08 - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level including: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to adjust as needed Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced ORT and carry out their assigned tasks independently DRTs 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 program

Qualifications

• 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 Standard: 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
• Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date (December 13 - 2019) of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title - series and grade held - including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level - GS-08 - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level including: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to adjust as needed Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced ORT and carry out their assigned tasks independently DRTs 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 program

Skills

• Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• 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

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance
• Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Telework: Not Available
• Functional Statement #: 92945-A

Pay

Competitive salary and regular salary increases

Schedule

10 hour shifts

Weekdays 12:00 PM-10:00 PM - Every other weekend: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM - Rotating holidays and on call

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance
• Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Telework: Not Available
• Functional Statement #: 92945-A