Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

Summary This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) - position is assigned to the Atlanta VA Health Care System - Radiology Service - within the Magnetic Resonance Imaging section. 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 Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United StatesEnglish Language ProficiencyDRTs 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) - magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently - as applicable]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[In 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 technologist.] 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).] Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years - or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employmentGrandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date 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 occupationMay qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-09 In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: ExperienceAt least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that levelDiagnostic Radiologic TechnologistEmployees 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 levelThe candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical 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 procedureKnowledge 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 patientsAssignmentsFor all assignments above the full performance level - the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope - complexity (difficulty) - and range of variety - and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the timeDRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Magnetic 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 imaged[This 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) certification.] Preferred Experience: 2 Years preferred experienceReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09Physical Requirements: The physical demand of the work may include Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and overmoderate carrying - 15-44 poundspushing up to 4 hoursreaching above shoulderuse of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required)prolonged walking - prolonged standingrepeated bendingability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneouslyfar vision correctable in one eye to 20/20ability to distinguish basic colorshearing aid permittedspeed in workingand emotional stabilityEnglish Language ProficiencyDRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d). Duties Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional 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.Duties include however - are not limited to: Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and proceduresKnowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiographyAccurately operates MRI imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality utilizing the standardized amount of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposesThe Technologist is responsible for performing a wide variety of MRI exams - which includes but is not limited to the spine - head - neck - chest - Abdomen - Pelvis - and Extremities - utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosisPerforms MRI imaging of the peripheral and visceral vessels through MR Angiography of the abdominal systems and extremitiesConducts MRI safety screenings to identify possible contraindications prior to the examinationPositions the patient within the MRI system - monitors patient during all phases of the appropriate examination - and removes patient from the MR system upon completion of the examinationWork Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:30am - 3:00pmWork Schedule is subject to change based on agency needTelework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 57827F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized