Summary

This position is eligible for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• a
• Citizenship
• Be a citizen of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) b
• 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
• c
• 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)
• d
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• e
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d) Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-9 (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
• (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
• DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: (a) 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 (*): 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
• 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 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
• Preferred Experience: Requires ARRT, R credential and Advanced ARRT MRI credential Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Duties

• 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
• The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated
• a) Performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head, neck spine, chest and body, while applying elements of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle
• These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials
• b) Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records
• Receives and interprets all radiology requests
• Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer
• Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS)
• c) Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing MRI exams
• The technologist is qualified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary
• The technologist must know the effects and adverse reactions of the contrast materials
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality
• therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it
• Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders
• Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment
• d) Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams
• Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce quality diagnostic MRI exams
• Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus
• e) Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Imaging Service policy
• Explains examinations to be performed to patients so they understand the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients, so they are thoroughly understood and the hazards, if any are possible
• May be required to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Work Schedule: requires rotating on call (will discuss at interview) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov,, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized