Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technician (MRI)

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

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 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 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). Credentialing Standards.

Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Grade Determinations

Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10: Experience. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program.

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. 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-10.

Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Major Duties May Inlcude but are not limited to: Employee observes patient safety guidelines as set forth in department and Medical Center policies and procedures. Checks all equipment and report failures to the Lead MRI Technologist or Chief imaging technologist. Responsible for screening all MR patients and checking implanted devices if necessary for clarance. Uses computer programs with competence and establishes and monitors quality control programs. Maintains archives of recording media.

Coordinates daily schedule and consults with hospital physicians, clinical and adminsitative personnel pertaining to the next day and future day's availability for patient examinations. Transfer patients to stretcher or wheelchair to MR table using safe transfer techniques. Independently plans and carries out the work with standing instructions on objectives, priorities, and deadlines and provides guideance for unusually involved situations. Coordinate quality improvement activities withing the MR section.

Recommends areas for review or improvement. May be assigned on-call duties to provide emergency covergae for MRI up to 24 hours per day. Requires the employee to be available to be onsite within 60 mins from receipt of the call so the proper and effective emergency care can be provided for the patient. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am- 4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 24162-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO):Not Authorized