Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI

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.

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 A. United States Citizenship : Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

B. English Proficiency : Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 7402(d), and 7407(d) C.

Certification Requirement : 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 D.

Education Requirement : 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).

E. Grandfathering Provision : 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.

F. Grade Determination : In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-9, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

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.

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 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) : In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical 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 (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.

G. References : VA Handbook 5005 / 119, Part II, Appendix G25, dated December 13, 2019, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards, GS-0647.

H. Physical Requirements : See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10 "VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist : Total-Rewards-of-a- The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) primarily performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography Imaging (MRA) of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body with the use of GE and 3T scanners.

They conduct complex MRI and MRA studies, including extremity run-offs, in-depth Cardiac studies, and Breast MRI, providing images of the head, neck, spine, chest and body.

Assigned Duties and responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to the following : Performs exams in a manner so as to optimize all of the radiographic equipment including the MRI scanner times while maintaining a flexibility to allow for emergency cases.

Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc.

to produce and satisfy requirements of MRI scanning. Schedules patients for examinations when needed in the Air Force Composite Health Care System (CHCS) and VA's VistA system.

Notifies the radiologist of scans requiring their immediate attention. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team.

Assists and anticipates the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Instructs MRI practices, fundamentals, scanning abilities, IV usage and techniques to MRI trainees and new MRI personnel.

Uses power injectors for dynamic studies and inserts IV needles for administration of contrast material. Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions.

Practices the safety policies and procedures of the medical center, and participates in quality assurance activities. Makes safety the highest priority and conducts safety screening according to established department and career field policies.

Sends images to the Picture Archival Communications System (PACS) for image interpretation for both Air Force and VA systems.

Monitors PACS to ensure exam completeness after sending. Maintains logbook of exams performed on patients. Identifies patient by following NCHCS and Air Force Patient Identification Policy.

Asks each patient to actively confirm his or her name and social security number. Explains exams to patients. Counsels patient on contrast injection process, verifies patient lab values are safe prior to injection.

Stocks and inventories of all MRI related imaging supplies and materials. Cleans and disinfects the scanner room, equipment and all accessories in accordance with Infection Control Standards.

Reviews new developments in MRI imaging. Provides physicians and patients with the best possible images and scans for diagnostic purposes.

Assumes various rotating schedules as determined by the Chief, Radiology Service. The rotation may include on-call coverage's, overtime, and alternate duty locations.

Ensures crash cart checks at beginning of shift. Must be or able to become proficient and perform MRI and MR angiography;

including extremity run-offs, in-depth Cardiac studies, and Breast MRI. These studies require the use of power injectors and reconstruction of images post image acquisition.

Once trained and proficient the incumbent will train others. Work Schedule : Monday to Friday, 8 : 00am - 4 : 30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus) : Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance) : Not Authorized EDRP Authorized : Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions / assistance.

Learn more 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) 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 $ 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 # : 00724-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report : Not required"