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Incumbent performs routine to moderately complex Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) examination procedures under the guidance of senior staff members and/or supervisor. He/she performs routine radiographic examinations of the head, neck spine, chest, body and extremities. 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. 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 (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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Grade Determinations: 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. 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Two or more years creditable experience as a general radiographer. Five or more years creditable experience in MRI. Experience with Phillips or Siemens MRI. Experience with night shift and weekend schedules References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting & carrying (45 pounds and over); straight pulling (0.15 hours); pulling hand over hand (0.15); pushing (0.15); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (0/15); standing (8 hours); kneeling (0.15 hours); repeated bending (3 hours); climbing, use of legs and arms; both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; 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; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted). ["Incumbent performs routine to moderately complex Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) examination procedures under the guidance of senior staff members and/or supervisor. Guides Medical Support Assistant in scheduling exams in a manner so as to optimize all of the radiographic equipment including MRI scanner time while maintaining a flexibility to allow for stat add on cases. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, scan parameters, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements for MRI scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Prepares and administers contrast materials that are used in General Radiology X-rays/ MRI exams, such as oral, rectal and JV. 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 prepares and administers 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. The incumbent is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what risks, if any, are possible. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to recognize allergic/sensitivity reactions and initiate emergency procedures. Assures that ORT/ MRI patients are screened per Radiology Service policy. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system and completion of checklist and contrast/ radiology notes in the CPRS/DHCP package. Properly identifies patient and patient's images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. Practices radiation safety As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. Performs reconstructions of MRI studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Ensures that images are successfully transmitted to PACS and available for Radiologic interpretation. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 12:15pm - 9:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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