Summary

This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) position is assigned to the Cape Girardeau VA Healthcare Center Radiology Department; General Radiography and MRI section within the Cape HCC.

Qualifications

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 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - performed independently: 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
• 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)
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• 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
• Grade Determinations (GS10): Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS9) level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• 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 and intermediate QM type duties within the program
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes
• 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
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (MRI) - studies
• 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
• Preferred Experience: ARRT Registered in MRI and Diagnostic Radiology
• Two years experience in MRI required
• References: VA Handbook 5005/77 - Part II - Appendix G25 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-0647 - Dated December 13 - 2019.The actual grade at which an applicant will be selected for this vacancy is GS-10
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing - walking - and sitting
• Work involves constant bending - lifting - twisting - and carrying moderately heavy items such as cassettes
• Use of mobile x-ray - requires twisting - turning to manipulate the x-ray tube
• The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients
• Positioning patients who are unconscious of disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions
• Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees.

Duties

• The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - MRI Technologist employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and completes the assigned tasks independently
• Performs General radiographs as well as MRI
• Performs X-Rays 25% of their time
• The technologist Performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head - neck - spine - chest - body - and extremities
• These exams are performed with and without use of IV and oral contrast materials
• The purpose of these exams and duties are to provide diagnostic studies to contribute to an accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients
• This specialty modality requires specific knowledgeable of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in MRI - inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans - including peripheral vascular examinations
• The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location - appearance - and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination
• to interpret the examination request accurately
• to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs
• to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of particular interest to the physician
• This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Major Duties include but not limited to: Technologist meets the requirements set forth in the John J Pershing /Cape HCC POLICY/MEMORANDUM FOR BLS
• BLS Certification is maintained on a quarterly basis and is compliant
• Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality - utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes
• Technologist works under the supervision of the Radiology Supervisor
• He/she works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists or Supervisor on more difficult problems
• Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives
• Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology including location - appearance - and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination - and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases
• He/she works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and Supervisor on more difficult problems
• Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives
• Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service procedure manual for guidelines on administration of Contrast Media After-Hours - Guidelines for Power Injection of Contrast Media - and policy for use of Contrast Media
• Technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• This is achieved by optimizing technical factors and ensuring all policies and procedure are adhered to
• Technologist must utilize lead aprons - lead gloves - and lead shields when exposed to radiation
• Film badges are worn by the technologists and exchanged in a timely manner - which follows radiation regulations
• Adheres to Radiation Safety guidelines - properly determines applying technical factors to ensure ALARA dose optimization - positioning - required views - etc
• to produce and satisfy requirements for diagnostic imaging exams
• Technologist receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy - appropriateness
• date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS
• Performs and completes General radiology imaging studies of the skeletal system within the established guidelines for stat and routine exams
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required