Summary

Employees at this level are above fully functional as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRT's in this position work primarily in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Position is that of a radiologic technologist operating the super conductive Magnetic Resonance Scanner (MRI) - a highly complex computerized imaging device which employs the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to acquire images.

Qualifications

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 - 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: Applicants must have 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)
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI - GS-0647-10 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
• Examples of experience include special and complex imaging procedures - clinical instruction - and basic quality management type duties
• 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 Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (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
• Preferred Experience: 1 year of MRI experience
• References: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 10
• Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over) - moderate carrying (15-44 pounds) - pushing - reaching above shoulder - use of fingers - both hands required - walking - standing - kneeling - repeated bending - near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 - far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other - both eyes required - depth perception - ability to distinguish basic colors - hearing (aid permitted)
• (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Services).

Duties

• If you ARE a current permanent federal employee - you must apply under CBST-12704224-25-KMS Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf The duties of the Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI in the Diagnostic Imaging service include but are not limited to: MRI Scan: a
• Performs a wide range of complex examinations using magnetic resonance imaging for patients at this medical center to provide diagnostic and functional imaging
• These MRI examinations include but are not limited to: neuro - head (brain - sinus - iac - orbit) - neck - spine
• body - cardiac - abdominal - breast
• extremity - bone and soft tissue b
• Programs examination protocols according to anatomy to be visualized - pathology indicated - as prescribed by a radiologist - selecting appropriate coil application and sequence parameters and options
• S/he applies understanding of imaging parameters - and their affect on image quality - making necessary adjustments specific to each patient exam
• The employee evaluates the need for additional sequences and consults the Radiologist
• He/she advises the Radiologist of those examinations which require immediate attention while the patient is still undergoing the examination
• c
• Performs complex post processing and image manipulation and reconstruction to accomplish thorough diagnostic imaging - applying knowledge of vascular and visceral anatomy - functionality - and the effects of disease processes on these systems to obtain optimum visualization
• d
• Operates ancillary equipment and accessory devices in performance of MRI examination adhering to safety practices in the placement and operation of the devices and cables
• This includes but is not limited to monitors - injectors - and biopsy devices
• e
• Technologist performs patient safety screening using guidelines set forth in department and Medical Center policies and procedures regarding ferrous objects - medical devices interaction with magnetic fields - consulting publications when applicable
• Applies screening criteria prior to contrast administration to determine associated risk - according to department policies on contrast administration
• Associated Duties: a
• The employee assists in CT when available
• The role in CT is supportive of dedicated CT technologists by assisting with documentation - contrast screening and administration - and patient handling
• b
• The employee interacts with the patient - explaining the procedures - positioning patients - providing immobilization devices and seeing to the comfort needs of the patient
• c Administers IV contrast under the direction of a Radiologist
• Is knowledgeable of the effects and adverse reactions associated with contrast administration and monitors patient for signs of any reaction
• Takes appropriate action if reactions occur - documenting reaction in CPRS and VISTA
• d
• Programs power injector for specific examination to be performed
• Operates injector safely - according to established guidelines
• Monitors patients for indications of complications such as IV infiltration
• When complications occur - takes appropriate action and documents accordingly
• e
• Establishes intravenous access via butterfly or cannula for the purpose of contrast administration
• Applies appropriate IV fluids to maintain access
• Determines safety of existing iv fluids in conjunction with contrast media and acts accordingly
• Documents - in CPRS - the administration of contrast media
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pm - Rotating On-Call after-hours - weekends and holidays
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 598-00533-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS):Not Authorized