This position is located in the Birmingham VA Health Care System Radiology Department with the duties being performed in the MRI Section of the Radiology Department. Position is that of Radiology Technologist operating a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) System in which the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist operate a super conductive magnetic resonance imaging unit. The modality is used in the diagnosis of a variety of diseases. 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 (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Advanced certification indicates that the technologist 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). 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. 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). Grandfathering 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 occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. Grade Determinations: 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: 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. The 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 procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. *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. Preferred Experience: ARRT Certification, Basic Life Support Certification Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The work for the DRT/QM/Advanced Diagnostic Radiology Technologist (DRT) is sedentary, as well as physical. See VA Handbook 5019. ["The duties and responsibilities of the MRI Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist include, but are not limited to the following: will perform magnetic resonance scanning on patients as requested by the clinical staff. will adhere to basic principles of radiation, radiofrequency and magnetic safety in order to protect the patient and the operating personnel. will observe patient's appliances that may accompany patient to the magnetic resonance imaging suites and make necessary adjustments to prevent problems. must adhere to and be familiar with infection control policies and procedures to be followed on patients undergoing diagnostic studies on the MRI unit. responsible for insuring proper cleaning and decontamination of the equipment as necessary. responsible for changing the linens and using aseptic technique after patient's procedure. will position patient in the MRI scanner gantry; monitors patient during all phases of the examination; and remove patient from the influence of the magnetic field upon completion of the data acquisition. responsible for managing the patient flow throughout the MRI suite, insuring that patients are called back to the MRI as soon as possible after their scheduled appointment time, allowing time for patients to change clothes. keeping scheduled patients and front desk staff updated on waiting times and insuring efficiency of operations, as delineated by the supervisor, to assure maximum patient throughput. will maintain all necessary supplies needed for scan procedures. notifying Supervisor when supplies need to be reordered. will be on call and must be available to perform emergency procedures that require use of MRI scan examinations. Is authorized for IV administration as per Radiology policy. Technologists are to respond to a page and/phone call within 15 minutes and should arrive on station within one hour of the page or phone call. Additionally they are required to update the AOD on any unexpected delays they may encounter. Utilizes knowledge of physiology and cross-sectional anatomy, such as location, appearance and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiologic exposure or MR imaging to detect physical abnormalities associated with most disease or lesions which are illustrated by MRI scanning. Must be able to recognize scans that illustrate lesions and develop them through control of various technical parameters and techniques to optimize their clarity for diagnostic use. Must also recognize when additional scans or pulse sequences are necessary to fully illustrate the lesion or disease. Utilizes knowledge of basic nursing practices relating to radiography such as emergency cardiac arrest procedures and use of oxygen to assist with breathing difficulties. Utilizes knowledge and skills sufficient to consult with physicians and physicist on logical protocol to follow in attempting to establish or confirm the diagnosis of a patient. Solving previous technical instructions on problems others have been unable to solve by use of established decision criteria and advise specialists in other sections of the hospital on advanced diagnostic procedures of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Utilizes practical knowledge of computer operations to ensure proper control of patient data input and to ensure accuracy of data output. Utilizes knowledge of the type of surveillance needed to monitor variables that affect the quality of services. Skill in evaluation of the interpreting results of quality control procedures and implementing corrective action when indicated. Utilizes knowledge of recognized reference standards and regulatory agency requirements sufficient to ensure that procedures relative to patients, employees, and visitors are consistent with requirements for radiation and environmental safety. Utilizes knowledge of pharmacology including classification and administration of drugs, patient's response and common dosage required for diagnostic studies. Other duties as required. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., with rotating weekends, holidays, and some on-call coverage for weekends. This subject to change based on the operational needs of the agency. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS-338 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]

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