Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-MRI

Summary

The technologist will perform quality diagnostic examinations that include - but are not limited to - MRI examinations of the chest - abdomen - pelvis - head - extremities - neck - etc. The technologist will also assist the radiologist in performing interventional procedures under MRI guidance.

• Citizenship:
  Be a citizen of the United States. Non‑citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g.
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d).
• Physical Requirements:
  
  See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 Certification.
• 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.
  
  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 two 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). Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.
  
  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).
• 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, and specialized knowledge in the radio‑frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged.
  
  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 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‑8 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, 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 one of the following assignments:
  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…