Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head - neck - spine - chest - extremities - and body. These exams are performed with and without contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• a
• 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.) b
• 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
• c
• 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)
• d
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• e
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d) Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-9 (1) 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
• (2) 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: (a) 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
• 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional FUNCTIONS OR SCOPES OF PRACTICE
• Performs MRI Examinations Independently Conducts routine to complex MRI examinations using superconducting magnet systems - following established imaging protocols
• Applies specialized knowledge of MRI physics - radio-frequency coils - cross-sectional anatomy - and pathology to obtain high-quality diagnostic images
• - Performs MRA of the head - neck - spine - chest - body - and extremities as needed
• Applies the (ALARA) principle during all MRI/MRA exams
• Confer with radiologists to determine requirements for non-standard exams as needed
• Determines and adjusts technical factors (scan thickness - number of scans - positioning) to accommodate patient condition and body habitus
• May be asked to perform Diagnostic Radiology exams and/or CT scans if qualified - if asked by the Radiology Supervisor
• Ensures MRI Safety Screens patients in advance using MRI safety forms
• confirms responses and initials completed screening documentation
• Participate in quarterly MRI fire drills and cardiac arrest drills - including magnet evacuation procedures
• Adheres to the required safety protocols for all MRI Zones - ensuring the safety of patients - staff - and equipment in the magnetic environment
• Screens patients - visitors - and equipment for MRI safety risks and contraindications
• Contrast Administration Prepares and administers contrast media in accordance with federal and state regulations
• Inserts IV catheters for administration of contrast material when necessary
• Understands effects and adverse reactions of contrast agents
• remains continuously alert for signs of contract-related complications
• Monitors patients for physiological changes during exams and reports concerns to radiologists
• Respond immediately to adverse reactions and will initiate CPR or emergency procedures if needed
• Equipment Operation and Quality Standards Performs all manufacturers - Joint Commission - and MRSO-required QC tests - documents results - and reports malfunctions to the supervisor - Biomedical Engineering - or MRSO
• Maintains low repeat rate - ensuring exam quality through proper technique - positioning - and protocol adherence
• Accurately uses the Radiology Information System (RIS) for scheduling - registering - canceling - and editing exams and managing imaging workflow
• Reviews technological developments in MRI and recommends improvements to enhance imaging operations and quality
• Responsible for stocking - inventory management - and maintaining MRI and general imaging supplies
• Operates MRI scanners - power injectors - and related equipment
• Ensures image quality through proper positioning - technique selection - and postprocessing
• Utilizes PACS for image management and documentation
• Patient Care & Communication Properly identifies patients using two patient identifiers according to VHA policy and confirms order accuracy
• May monitor patient vital signs during MRI exams and recognize allergic reactions or emergent events
• Demonstrate capacity for age-specific care - including adult and geriatric patient needs - as required by age-specific competency guidelines
• Explains MRI procedures - addresses patient concerns - and promotes patient comfort and cooperation
• Demonstrates tact - courtesy - and professionalism with patients - families - and staff
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8:00am-4:30pm 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: Ad-hoc only
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position.