Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist; MRI

Summary

Serves as an MRI Technologist at Bruce W Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Employees at this grade level are qualified to perform Magnetic Resonance Imaging procedures for patients of this heath care system. The employee operates complex MRI equipment to produce MRI studies that are used for medical diagnosis under the direct supervision of a Radiologist.

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.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d) 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 2 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)
• 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
• 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:
  In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above - the following qualifications criteria must be met in 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 GS-08 level - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that 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…