Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

SummaryThe Primary Purpose of the Position is: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) - organizationally referred to as the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist operates diagnostic MRI scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two/three dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions.QualificationsBasic Requirements:United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyEnglish Language ProficiencyDRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)EducationCompletion 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).] CertificationAll 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.] 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)Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9: ExperienceAt 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 levelAssignmentsFor 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 timeDRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Diagnostic Radiologic TechnologistEmployees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independentlyDRTs 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 programRegardless 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 levelThe 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 proceduresiiKnowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providersiii*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedureivKnowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiographyvKnowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautionsviKnowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patientsPreferred Experience: Customer Service Ability to work independently and as a teamMRI experience for 3 years Knowledge of healthcare systems Knowledge of a PACS system 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-09Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbsand over)Heavy Carrying (45 lbsand over)Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour)Pushing (1 - 2 hours)Reaching above shoulderUse of fingersBoth hands requiredWalking (up to 3 hours)Standing (up to 3 hours)Repeated bending (up to 1 hour)Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneouslyNear vision correctable at 13"" to 16""Hearing (aid permitted)DutiesVA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties are but not limited to: The Magnetic Resonance Image coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgement - ingenuity - and initiative in the application of non-ionizing high frequency ultrasonic waves to humans for diagnosis of disease in the clinic or on the wardsThe incumbent is required to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)The technologist will be responsible for clinical - research and educational dutiesHe/she will be involved in all aspects of MRI/MRS including: (1) performance of clinical diagnostic MRI examinations - (2) performance of spectroscopy 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 Veteran Affairs CentersWhile working in each area of Radiology Service - the employee will participate in all aspects of the mission of the medical center - including clinical service - education and research - as neededThe employee will also assist the management team with the collection of statistical data needed to monitor and improve the clinical serviceThe incumbent is required to perform in all aspects of MRIHe/ She will function as an expert regarding the software and hardware capabilities in performance of the instrument - advise the radiologist on what pulse sequences are available - and what selection of acquisitions parameters are necessary to produce optimum images and generate efficiency in the data collectionMaintains a logbook of protocols in data collectionMaintains a logbook of protocols for frequently performed types of examinations - including positioning - acquisitions parameters - and orientation of slicesRecommends improvement in the protocol to the radiologist and confers with the radiologist to keep this book up to dateThe incumbent will interview each patient for the examination to determine if the patient has contraindication for MRI or MRS - such as a cardiac pacemaker - ferrous implant - intracranial implants or devicesExplains the examination procedure to the patients - determines which patient requires informed consentWorks with the radiologist to determine disposition of patients whose examinations are contraindicated - who are claustrophobic - or who require consentsKeeping the magnet area secure from unauthorized entries by visitors or hospital staff who may be carrying metal objects which pose a hazard to the patientsPositions the patient according to the examination required and the patient's body partsChooses the most effective coil for optimization of signals - and positions coils correctly to prevent radio frequency coupling and burnsApplies cardiac electrodes - moving the leads as necessary to optimize ECG tracingIn the case of unusual examinations - or in cases where unusual sequences would be ineffective - confers with radiologist and makes recommendations regarding modifications in protocol - and adding additional examsDetermines the resonant frequency - tunes and matches the coils - adjusting coils capacitors - optimizes radio frequency pulse power - and select to time - number of acquisitions - matrix size - and all other instrument parametersWork Schedule: 7:30am- 4pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increasesWhen 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 experienceParental 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 childChild 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 $416.66Retirement: 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 positionFunctional Statement #: 00000