Summary

Assignment to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) Section of the Radiology Service - independently performing standard and complex MR1 examinations. Technologist communication and interaction between multiple clinics and services and required to provide specialized and unique care for many of our veterans. Expert knowledge of MRI safety-- the ability to extract information from patients' medical record is essential to provide safe - diagnostic MRI scans for high risk patients.

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 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
• 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)
• Physical Requirements
• See below and VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• 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 REQUIREMENTS
• Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice
• To be creditable - experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice
• This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice - which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT
• (2) Quality of Experience
• Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements
• Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
• (3) Part-Time Experience
• Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek
• For example - a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work
• Specialized Assignments
• Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R) - bone densitometry (BD) - mammography (M) - diagnostic ultrasound (S) - computed tomography (CT) - magnetic resonance imaging (MR) - interventional radiologic technology (IR) - quality management (QM) - picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist - MRI safety officer (MRSO) - imaging administrator - clinical program director - and clinical instructor
• 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
• GRADE DETERMINATIONS
• In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 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
• 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 the following assignment: 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 Preferred Experience: Siemens Scanner Knowledge both 1.5T & 3T Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is Grade 9
• Physical Requirements: Pre-placement physical examination to determine the physical - cognitive and emotional fitness of candidates for appointment in VA is required - and shall be completed prior to appointment - for all full-time - part-time and intermittent positions.

Duties

• The incumbent works under the supervision of MRI Supervisor
• Works independently and confers with radiologists - ordering physicians - and supervisor on more complex or specialized exams - The following duties/functions include and not limited to: This posting includes weeknights and weekend tour
• Participating in rotating technologist on call schedule is required
• Performs MRI exams in a manner that optimizes patient workflow - while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate emergency patients who may need immediate attention
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams
• Regularly works with patient's electronic medical record to check and order blood labs - post progress notes - flag irregular orders - and post allergies and/or contraindications to MRI
• Follows department procedures - and coordinates with multiple clinics and providers - to accommodate specialized exams and high-risk patients
• Cardiology and Electro Physiology for lCD/pacemakers - Neurology for Deep Brain Stimulators - Anesthesia for sedated patients - and Intervention radiology for MSK arthrograms
• Performs all varieties of MRI studies including Cardiac - Neuro - Body - Breast - MSK - and Vascular exams
• Over 25% of these studies will be comprised of more complex exams: prostate - breast - cardiac - and research procedures
• Proficient in Cardiac and Cardiac Stress imaging - Perfusion - Cardiac gating - and MRI safe patient monitoring systems and infusion pumps
• Performs cardiac research scans and collaborates with the research team to gather all necessary patient information and images
• Utilizes the Siemens Master Research program and WIP protocols
• Proficient in MRI Breast imaging and works with radiologists for MRI guided breast biopsies
• Proficient in all Abdominal/Pelvis/body imaging including Enterography - Liver - Renal - Pancreas - MRCP - and Urograms
• Male and female pelvis studies including prostate - scrotum - penis - implantable pumps - bladder - uterus - anal fistula - and rectal cancer
• Soft tissue lesions and masses throughout the body
• Proficient in all Neuro exams including stroke - seizure - IAC - pituitary - pineal - and hydrocephalus protocols
• MRA of the head - neck - and spinal cord
• Brachial plexus - and with and without contrast spinal exams
• Brain spectroscopy - perfusion - and MRV exams
• Proficient in all Angio/Vascular procedures including contrast enhanced - Proficient in MSK imaging including all joints and long bones - both with and without contrast
• Arthrography - positioning - and timing of contrast injection - utilizing Interventional radiology and MRI
• Performs ECG exams on patients for cardiac stress test and high-risk patients with lCD/pacemakers
• Confers the ECG finding with cardiology before scanning patient
• IV certified - and proficient in placing IV lines for power injection
• Prepares MRI contrast materials in both power injectors - and bedside butterfly injections
• Performs reconstructions of MRI images including MPR - MIP - and subtraction when requested - or when part of a standard procedure
• Maintains the highest degree of MRI safety possible on all patient populations
• Thorough patient screening - attention to SAR levels - acoustic noise - and adverse reactions to contrast are monitor closely
• Ability to provide emergency response in an MRI suite for rapid response and CODE situations
• Takes part in MRI safety drills and quarterly safety meetings
• Maintains proper cleanliness and stocking in the MRI suite
• Other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Tuesday - Friday: 11:00am -7:30pm and Saturday 8:00am - 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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)