Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist; MRI

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.

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 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 (*)
  • 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:
  
  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
• 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.

• Provides MRI and general diagnostic radiography including diagnostic x-rays of all body regions, bone-length examinations, bone surveys, general fluoroscopic examinations, in outpatient clinics and in operating room environments (C-Arm)
• Ensures that adequate quantities of MRI supplies are available to meet workload demands
• Maintains MRI scan rooms stocked with necessary supplies, with emphasis on emergent equipment and supplies
• Performs magnetic resonance imaging of the head, neck, spine, chest and body with and without contrast materials
• Performs all exams utilizing aseptic techniques
• Uses proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for patient contact and preparation of contrast materials
• Works with the…