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DRT MRI/CT Technologist

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Hampton, Virginia
Closing date
Jan 22, 2021
Duties

Summary

Incumbent operates the magnetic resonance unit within the Diagnostic Service. The operator will be involved in new techniques, defining optimal protocols, and devising alternative ways to visualize pathology within the patient. New systems may be evaluated and new methods will be compared with existing methods. Interaction with physicians, scientists, physicists, computer programmers, manufacturers, technical design engineers, and service personnel will be a normal occurrence of the duties.
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Responsibilities

As a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI/CT), you will be responsible for performing the following radiologic examination procedures using diagnostic equipment:
  • Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest and body.
  • Ensures that the patient screening process has been performed so that contraindicated materials and medical devices are kept outside the area of the magnet.
  • The employee must at all times be aware of the danger of ferrous objects causing bodily injury or even death when brought into proximity of the magnet. The employee must at all times assure that the patient to be scanned is not wearing a pacemaker or have other internal or external ferrous objects that could cause injury when the patient is brought into proximity of the magnet.
  • For contraindication precautions, the employee will ensure that x-rays of the orbits are obtained to check for metal in eyes, take skull x-rays to make sure patient does not have aneurysm clips, have the radiologist review the x-rays to if the patient can have the procedure, contact operating room about implants the patient has had, and call the manufacturer about the safety of implants prior to examination.
  • Injects the patients with contrast media under supervision of a Radiology physician to enhance tissue, lesions, etc. Also monitors patients during and after injection to see if there is any reaction, inform the Radiologist and completes appropriate documentation when required.
  • Monitors patients that have been medicated for claustrophobia or discomfort and observes for signs of potential complications. Assists the physician to treat and manage adverse contrast reactions. Assist the code team if necessary. Maintains proper patient care by checking IV catheters, monitors, and oxygen set-up throughout the patients' stay in the department as needed.
  • Perform clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer. Technologist records computer data on film, disc, and laser printers. Maintains archives on media format as directed. Technologist sends to a long-term storage Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS). Verifies patient study is the PACS. Perform technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer, disc, drives, console, imaging devices, etc.
  • Schedules patients for examinations. Calls patients to coordinate their arrival for the examination and relay necessary preparations. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate them. Maintains records of patients treated, examinations performed, scans taken, etc. Maintains permanent record of scans in a tape library. Status tracks examinations in the computer.
  • Performs or monitor safety checks on patients, employees and visitors to comply with the FDA safety standards regarding ferrous objects, medicine patches, and medical devices prior to those persons entering the environment of the magnetic field.
  • Performs CT peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities. The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc. Performs reconstructions of CT when requested or when part of a standard procedure.
  • Prepares contrast material materials that are used in CT and other exams. 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. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary.
  • Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of the lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technicians in compliance with radiation regulations.
  • Responsible for stocking and inventory of all MRI/CT related materials. Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes.
  • The employee is responsible for obtaining or requesting his/her own continuing education. The employee attends all required in-service, safety, and infection control courses.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
None

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to a background/security investigation
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process


Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

Citizenship. Must be a citizen of the United States.

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).]

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 REQUIREMENTS:

Creditable Experience.

Knowledge of Current Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Angiography) Practice. 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.

Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.

Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work.

Specialized 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 (MRI), [ ] [interventional radiologic technology (IR)], quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor.]

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Angiography). Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT 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. Regardless 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. This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of super conducting 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 into. The practitioner must have specific 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. The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in Computerized Radiography (CR) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). DRT assignments that have performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.

GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9

Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

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.

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.

ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.

iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.

iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.

v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.

vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

References: VA Handbook 5005; Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard GS-647, Appendix G25 dated December 13, 2019

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09

Physical Requirements: Position requires moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; light carrying, under 15 pounds; bending, stooping and standing up to 6 hours a day. Requires long periods of standing, walking, and sitting Involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items such as cassettes. The use MRI scanners requires twisting, turning and repeated bending, lifting of coils, moderate carrying, reaching above shoulder, and ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients Position patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees.

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).

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

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

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
Yes

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you are required to provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R)
  • vha-10-2850c Application
  • Resume
  • Transcript


Resume Reminder: Your resume must include the following for each job listed:
1) Job title and grade level/salary. In order to show that you meet time-in-grade, you must document grades you have held and how long you have held them;
2) Duties (you must include enough detailed information to support your specialized experience);
3) Month and year start/end dates (e.g. 04/2007 to 04/2008);
4) Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week);
5) Supervisor's contact information and whether or not the supervisor can be contacted.
6) Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.

Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.

VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search .

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R)
  • vha-10-2850c Application
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx .

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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