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. 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. 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). 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. 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). GS-09 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *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 Preferred Experience: ARRT(R) with advanced MRI credential. Cardiac MRI scanning experience highly desirable. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination. Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties. Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy, regulation, or statute ["Duties include but are not limited to: Performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head, neck spine, chest and body, while applying elements of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing MRI exams. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce quality diagnostic MRI exams. Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Imaging Service policy. Explains examinations to be performed to patients so they understand the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients, so they are thoroughly understood and the hazards, if any are possible. May be required to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The technologist will confirm completion of patient safety screening, confirming responses and initialing patient screening forms. Confirm completion and documents on the spot Level II Safety Training of non-imaging personnel entering the MRI suite. Maintains control of/ restricting access to MRI Level 4. Participates in MRI quarterly Fire drills and Cardiac arrest drills, reinforcing technologists' role in removing patient from magnet and transferring them to corridor for assistance by non-imaging personnel Properly identifies patients with at least 2 patient identifiers in accordance with VAPORHCS policy, confirms identity on order, and properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of images to patients does not occur. Accurately utilizes PACS for acquisition, transmission, storage, and review of images, performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the Radiologist. Maintains a low repeat rate of examinations, per rating period, due to technical factors within the technologist's control, such as utilization of imaging equipment, positioning, incomplete imaging of anatomy, failure to follow protocol, unacceptable for interpretation because of wrong technique positioning.. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all MRI and general imaging supplies and related material. Reviews new developments in MRI and general imaging and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of examinations utilizing the new technologies available. The technologist performs all Quality Control tests required by equipment manufacturer, Joint Commission, and the MRSO documenting them appropriately and reporting any abnormality or malfunction to the supervisor, Biomedical Engineering, or MRSO. Liaison between radiologists and requesting providers to ensure more complicated exams are correctly completed. Teaches and supervises 2-3 radiology students rotating through MRI at any given time. Rotates on call and is the subject matter expert in obtaining appropriate information and imaging of emergent exams after hours when limited staff is available. Leads the training of new MRI technicians and provide less experienced technologists the training and guidance necessary for their development in becoming a more proficient and expert MRI technologist. Supports NIH funded grant research protocol refinement for Multiple Sclerosis and others. Research scans must have the same parameters each time to ensure results are measured accurately. These are often non-veteran population of patients. Participates in the development and improvement of new advanced sequences and exam protocols Participates in quality improvement programs that evaluate technical quality of images, completeness of examinations, and adherence to protocols. Compares facility quality improvement standards to external metrics, such as accreditation criteria, evidence-based literature, or accepted guideline Work Schedule: To be determined by Service/Supervisor (May include nights) Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Stacy Hermann, Stacy.Hermann@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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