Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist

Duties

Employees at this level are fully functional as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. MRI Technologists at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures. Regardless of the nature, the MRI Technologist is responsible for independently operating a super conductive magnetic resonance imager.

Employees at this level perform all magnetic resonance imaging procedures including routine and advanced procedures such as MRA and cardiac procedures, under the supervision of a more senior radiologic technologist. Employee has a responsibility to recognize and exhibit good safety practices; to comply with published and communicated safety procedures; to immediately report observed safety infractions and unsafe working conditions; and to report in a timely fashion work related illnesses and injuries.

Develops new techniques, defines optimal protocols, and devises alternative ways to visualize pathology with the patient. Evaluates new system(s) and compares them with existing methodologies. Interacts with physician, scientists, physicist, computer programmers, manufacturers, and technical design engineers on a recurring basis in the performance of daily assignments.Some duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Maintains the cleanliness of his/her assigned work area, maintains necessary supplies in the work area. Reports all inventory shortages and safety concerns to the supervisor, as well as any equipment failure. In the absence of the supervisor, the technologist is prepared to contact Biomedical Engineering or the service vendor to arrange for service and provide detailed description of the problems occurring.
• Reports and is trained to recognize and exhibit exemplary MR safety practices; to comply with published and communicated safety procedures; to immediately report observed infractions and unsafe working conditions; and to report in a timely fashion work related illnesses and injuries.
• Observes patient safety guidelines as set forth in department and Medical Center policies and procedures.
• Actively seeks out work when assigned tasks are finished. Proactively identified administrative, clinical, or mechanical problems, and defines solutions thereof. Treats patients and visitors with courtesy and respect. Performs all assigned duties in the MR department on multiple scanners. Is thoroughly familiar with all safety and general acquisition protocols Open MR, 1.5 and 3T MR with no supervision during irregular hours to insure adequate patient examinations.
• Advises the Radiologist of those examinations with require immediate attention while the patient is still undergoing the examination. Administers contrast material agents. Practices sterile technique to prevent contamination.
• Accurately and routinely performs the associated VISTA and PACS imaging network responsibilities that relate to a patient examination and the patient's record.
• Checks all equipment and reports failures to the Lead MR tech or Chief Imaging technologist.
• Trained in contamination containment and isolation techniques to protect himself/herself and other as well as the MRI sections from contamination.
• Stocks his/her work area with needles, syringes, gauze, local anesthetics. Maintains and stocks all supplies used in his/her work area.
• Interacts with patients, explains exam procedures, positions patients within the MRI scanner, monitors patients during all phases of examination, and records all patient exam information for permanent record.
• Responsible for screening all MR patients and checking implanted devices if necessary, for clearance.
• When operating MRI, coordinates with the MR Radiologist to determine the most ideal parameters for each individualized patient examination. Demonstrate full competency in developing protocols and completing the following MR exams on multiple magnet strengths.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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.
• 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.
• Credentialing Standards. 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. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.

Grade Determinations:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10

(1) Experience. At 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 level. To 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 practice. This 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) Assignments. For 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 time.

Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:

i. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
ii. 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.
iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
iv. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The 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 duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.]

May 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).

Preferred Experience: N/A

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 December 13, 2019

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements: The technologist will perform Imaging studies using the Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner. The technologist will be required to make trips to the patient waiting room, in order to call the patient for their exam. There may be some standing, bending, and carrying of light items, such as carrying paperwork. Patients may need to be transferred from stretcher or wheelchair to the MRI table. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.