Summary

This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (ADRT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) position is assigned to Radiology Service within the Ralph H. Johnson VA HealthCare System. The ADRT (MRI) at this level performs routine to complex MRI examinations - and general radiology exam/procedures (as needed).

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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
• 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 REQUIREMENTS: Creditable Experience: Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice
• To be creditable - experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice
• This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of 1 year of active practice - which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT
• Quality of Experience
• Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above
• Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
• Part-Time Experience
• Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek
• For example - a DRT would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work
• Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)
• 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.
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: ADDITIONALLY - applicants must demonstrate ALL of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): GS-9: 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
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-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
• 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: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: 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 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
• Reference: 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
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over
• moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
• pushing up to 4 hours
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required)
• prolonged walking - prolonged standing
• repeated bending
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• hearing (aid permitted)
• speed in working
• and emotional stability
• Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties may include - but are not limited to: Operates 1.5T and 3 Tesla Magnet Systems
• Performs a variety of routine and complex MRI exams including but not limited to routine - vascular (peripheral - neurovascular) - neuro (brain/spine) - musculoskeletal - elastography and/or cardiac
• Demonstrates knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and physiology as well as medical terminology
• The incumbent must have specialized knowledge of the radiofrequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged
• Responsible to monitor the radiofrequency power delivered to tissue during an MRI examination is referred to as the SAR - expressed as watts per kg (W/kg)
• Responsible for setting up and positioning patients - providing immobilization devices - selecting proper technical factors on an individual patient basis - and operating the equipment
• Performs post processing reconstructions when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• Examinations are performed with or without contrast material based on imaging requisition and pre-defined protocols
• Follows contrast policy in preparation and administration of contrast materials
• Maintains competency with the loading - programming - and use of contrast power injectors
• Performs venipuncture with proper intravenous catheter selection for contrast administration
• Identifies and initiates treatment for extravasation of intravenous contrast
• Recognizes signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to intravenous contrast and ability to initiate appropriate response
• Understands and adheres to VHA Directives and facility/service policies related to MR safety and follows all regulations within the MR environment
• Familiar with all MRI Zones
• Maintains yearly competencies including MRT Level I and MRI Level II training
• Screens all individuals (patients - staff - vendors) and equipment entering Zone III and Zone IV to ensure compliance with MRI safety protocols
• Familiar with all MRI Safe equipment such as MR patient monitors - MR infusion systems - MR safe ventilators - stretchers and wheelchairs Reviews MRI safety screening templates - MRI safety screening questionnaires and resolves any questions or concerns with patient - ordering provider and/or radiologist prior to scan
• Researches implants and possible contraindications prior to patient entering scan room
• Thoroughly explains procedures/exams and provides instructions to patients to ensure patient cooperation and optimal imaging studies
• Performs routine - urgent - emergent or research studies and post-processing of images
• Assures images are properly identified with patient demographics and verifies accurate and timely archiving/completion of imaging on PACS
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 11:00am-7:00 pm - rotating holidays and on-call EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more 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 Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 534-56233F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized