This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) - GS-09 GRADE DETERMINATIONS: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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. 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. (Your experience must be detailed in your r?sum? to receive full credit.) BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3g. Certification: All applicants must be certified in Advanced Radiology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology ARRT (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 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.]. (Certification required) English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d), and 7407 (d). Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT) Accredited Educational Programs (jrcertaccreditation.org) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.. (Transcripts required) 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 5, 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.**Must have ARRT (MR) certification**. Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. References: VA Handbook 5005/119; Part II; Appendix G25; December 13, 2019, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists. Qualification Standard GS-0647. http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdfThe above full performance level of this vacancy is 09 Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - a physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. ["Performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) and radiographic examinations of the head, neck spine, chest, boy and extremities. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic duties sot hat proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. This position is located at Norther Indiana Health Care System (NIHCS), Fort Wayne, IN and reports to the Imaging Supervisor. Duties at this level include, but are not limited to: Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize all of the radiographic equipment including MRI scanner times while maintaining a flexibility to allow for emergency cases. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Advises radiologists of examination results. Performs technical work in support of routine, diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Prepares and administers contract materials that are used in X-Ray/MRI exams, such as oral, rectal and IV. Prepares magnet for daily operation, brings system up, checks all self-calibrating parameters. Cleans and prepares equipment surfaces in accordance with established infection control guidelines. Performs routine archiving status checks and deletes data according to established guidelines. Constantly monitors all equipment brought into the MRI environment to ensure it is MRI safe or MRI compatible. Positions patient within the examining unit and monitors patient duration all phases of the examination. Provides hearing protection to patient. Programs technical factors for pulse sequences slice profiles, etc. Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Radiology Service police. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards/risks, if any, are possible. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Properly identifies patient and patient's images. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Performs reconstructions of MRI studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Maintains proficiency on reconstruction techniques. responsible for stocking and inventory of MRI supplies and related material. Must maintain an in-depth, working knowledge JCAHO, OSHA, and HIPPA rules and regulations and actively instruct, explain, promote and enforce all applicable rules and regulations. Work Schedule: Full Time 40 hours a week; Tuesday - Friday 12:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Saturday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM Functional Statement/FS #: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) GS-09, Functional Statement 91731-0 Service Line: Imaging Service Telework: Not available Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized PCS/Relocation Allowances: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Drug Testing: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a drug testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with the VA. In addition, any offer of employment will be rescinded with a verified positive drug test. VA employees in drug testing designated positions are also subject to post appointment random drug testing. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
