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This position is a multi-technical Radiologic Technologist Day position. The employee must be able to perform a wide range of radiologic procedures, which include routine radiologic exams and special procedure exams. Duties as DRT (MRI) will be assigned in special circumstances but the main function of this position is DRT radiologic exams. Basic Requirements: 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.) 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, 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). NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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). 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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: 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: Ability to prove proficiency in IV Access Experience in performing diagnostic x-rays GRADE DETERMINATION GS-09: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: 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: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G25. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist VA Qualification Standard. The full performance of this position is GS-09. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds. ["The Radiologic Technologist will be responsible for clinical, research and educational duties. Duties as DRT (MRI) will be assigned in special circumstances but the main function of this position is DRT radiologic exams. He/she will be involved in all aspects of MRI/MRS including: (1) performance of clinical diagnostic MRI examinations, (2) performance of spectroscopic scope and imaging research, including active participation in the design and evaluation of new spectroscopic and imaging methods, (3) training of MRI/MRS principles and procedures to staff and visiting technologists from other Veterans Affairs centers. Due to the nature of MRI/MRS modalities, the incumbent will not always be under the direct supervision of the radiologist and will often act autonomously in performing his/her duties. Performs very difficult radiographic examinations. Receives patients, explains method of procedure, positions patients, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required, and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedures. Performs special procedures such as arthrograms, cholangiography, linear tomography, lumbar and thoracic myelography, E.R.C.P. and venography. Sets up the x-ray room. Assures that sterile supplies, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out. Prepares and administers contrast material orally, by enema, or under close control of radiologist, intravenously. As required by procedure or patient's condition, monitors vital signs such as heartbeat and blood pressure, notifying radiologist of significant changes. Performs examinations of head, trunk and extremities for routine physical examinations and for diagnosis of illness or of injuries of accident victims. Provides clinical instruction for radiology technical students which includes positioning patients, selecting the proper size film, measuring patient thickness to determine technical factors needed. Instructs student in the handling of seriously ill patients, checks films as they are processed to be sure they are of good diagnostic quality. Evaluates the students' clinical ability periodically and grades their ability to determine their overall grades at the school. Processes exposed radiographs and prepares film-processing chemicals. Maintains records of patients examined, examinations performed, views taken and technical factors used. Prepares file jackets and files film. Assists radiologists and higher-grade technologist to perform more complex procedures such as carotid arteriograms. He/she is required to be knowledgeable about the Imaging Service's performance improvement projects/initiatives and participate in Imaging Service performance improvement activities when assigned. Compliance with all organizational policies, including but not limited to ethical business practices, Cyber Security, HIPPA, and Privacy Act is required. Conformance to the organization's infection control program through use of proper hand-washing techniques, personal protective equipment, universal precautions, etc. is expected and will be monitored. Compliance with Center and service policies that deal with coordination of leave, coverage during periods of absence, work priorities, and daily schedules is expected. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30a-4:00p; volunteer weekend clinics available; possible coverage on evening shift 4p-12 midnight Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000/Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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