Summary

The incumbent is required to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations - including magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and - if necessary - magnetic resonance spectroscopy during the day or evening shift.

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 (ARRT) (R)
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT) - magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in the 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 of Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE)
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• 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 Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) GS-09: 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 certified in MRI or with an MRI Identifier One or more years' experience in MRI Proficient in attaining IV access for contrast administration 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 09
• Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs
• and over)
• Heavy Carrying (45 lbs
• and over)
• Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour)
• Pushing (1 - 2 hours)
• Reaching above shoulder
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking (up to 3 hours)
• Standing (up to 3 hours)
• Repeated bending (up to 1 hour)
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"
• Hearing (aid permitted).

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWMTotal-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Major duties include - but are not limited to: The incumbent will be required to receive scheduled and unscheduled patients and identify patients per established organizational policy
• The technologist will interview each MRI patient prior to their examination to determine if the patient has any contraindication(s) or possible contraindication(s) for the MRI procedure (claustrophobia - cardiac pacemaker - ferrous implants - metallic clips - cochlear implants - cardiac prosthetic valves - metallic foreign bodies - etc.)
• The incumbent will thoroughly explain the examination procedure to all patients and determine which patients may require informed consent
• He/she will work with the supervising radiologist to determine the disposition of patients whose examinations may be contraindicated
• Monitors the examination by checking computations - performances and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer data and images
• Performs clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer and records the computer data on film - magnetic tape and printer plotter paper
• Performs technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer - disk drives - console - imaging devices - etc
• Uses computer programs with competence - and establishes and monitors quality control programs
• Coordinates daily schedule and consults with hospital physicians - clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to the next day and future day's availability for patient examinations
• Assists in preparation of manuals - and assists in devising modifying procedures as necessary
• As an expert in the software and hardware capabilities of MRI equipment - the technologist will be required to acquire diagnostic quality MRI and MRA examinations based on established protocols and modify pulse sequences and patient positioning - if necessary - to obtain the highest quality exam possible
• The technologist will maintain a logbook of established examination protocols (which includes patient positioning - coil selection - and acquisition parameters) and will be required to keep these protocols up to date based on input from staff radiologists
• The technologist will be required to complete an MRI contrast worksheet (protocol worksheet) for all patients (to include known allergies and results of recent creatinine/eGFR tests) and will obtain radiologist written directions/instructions regarding contrast administration
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 3:30PM-12:00AM 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): Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 00000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized