Summary

Employees at this grade level are required to provide services in specialized and complex areas of radiologic technology and/or general diagnostic radiology services for Diagnostic Imaging Service. The incumbent performs magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations on all body regions - including complex procedures with multiplanar reformations - 3-dimensional reconstructions - dynamic contrast imaging - body MRI - and MRI angiography.

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) -duties performed independently
• 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)
• 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 - 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
• 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: 4 or more years creditable experience as a general radiographer
• 2 or more years creditable experience in MRI advanced certification area
• Experience using Siemens MRI
• 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-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. 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.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf The Diagnostic Radiology Technologist (MRI) will also perform general diagnostic radiography to include - but not limited to - diagnostic x-rays of all body regions - bone-length examinations - bone surveys - general fluoroscopic examinations - both in an outpatient clinic setting and in the operating room environment (C-Arm)
• Ensures that adequate quantities of MRI supplies are available to meet workload demands
• Assures that MRI scan rooms are stocked with necessary supplies at all times with special attention to emergent equipment and supplies
• Performs magnetic resonance imaging of the head - neck - spine - chest and body with and without the use of contrast materials
• Performs all exams utilizing aseptic techniques
• This requires proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for patient contact - preparation of contrast and supplying of catheters when applicable - and other supplies that will come in contact with the patient
• Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team
• Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam
• Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition - sterile field - catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations - etc
• The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination - recognize patient reactions - anticipate technique factor difficulties - etc
• Prepares and administers contrast materials
• These contrast materials are used in the exams performed in MRI area and the technologist must know the effects and reactions to the contrast
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and - therefore - it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material use is possessed by those who prepare it
• In addition - must be continuously alert to the patient's condition and other disorders
• Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment
• Practices MRI safety in order to avoid incidents to patients - staff and self
• This is achieved by the use of patient and employee screening procedures prior to entering the MRI environment
• The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the Medical Center - and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• Performs image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study
• Maintains proficiency on reconstruction techniques
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• Performs regularly scheduled quality control scans and measurements as indicated by MRI vendor
• Ensures that images are successfully transmitted to PACS and are available for Radiologic interpretation (this should be done as soon as the study is completed)
• Properly identifies patient images
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur
• The technologist must be certain that the patient I.D
• band and the request are identical
• Performs digital radiography examinations of head - neck - spine - chest and body
• Receives patients and explains examinations to be performed - ensuring patients are properly attired and prepared before positioning them for requested examination
• Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #:53792-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized This vacancy will remain open until filled
• The first cut-off date is 05/16/2025
• Additional applications will be referred as needed.