Assignment to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) Section of the Radiology Service, independently performing standard and complex MR1 examinations. Technologist communication and interaction between multiple clinics and services and required to provide specialized and unique care for many of our veterans. Expert knowledge of MRI safety-- the ability to extract information from patients' medical record is essential to provide safe, diagnostic MRI scans for high risk patients. 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). Physical Requirement. See below and VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, provisions may apply. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), interventional radiologic technology (IR), quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor. 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. GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-08 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:(a). Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.(b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.(c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.(d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.(e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.(f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-09 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 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 (difficulty), 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 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 (*):(a)*Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.(b)Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.(c)*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.(d) knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.(e)Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.(f)Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 dated December 13, 2019. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9. Physical Requirements: Pre-placement physical examination to determine the physical, cognitive and emotional fitness of candidates for appointment in VA is required, and shall be completed prior to appointment, for all full-time, part-time and intermittent positions. ["Duties include but not limited to: This tour will include a Saturday and/or Sunday tour. This tour includes a rotating schedule for technologist on-call coverage. a. Performs MRI exams in a manner that optimizes patient workflow, while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate emergency patients who may need immediate attention. b. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, and protocols to produce quality, diagnostic MRI images. Communicates with radiologists and/or referring physicians on exam status and possible issues. Notifies off site radiologists for off hours, emergent exams. c. Regularly works with patient's electronic medical record to check and order blood labs, post progress notes, flag irregular orders, and post allergies and/or contra indications to MRI. d. Follows department procedures, and coordinates with multiple clinics and providers, to accommodate specialized exams and high-risk patients. Cardiology and Electro Physiology for lCD/pacemakers, Neurology for Deep Brain Stimulators, Anesthesia for sedated patients, and Interventional radiology for MSK arthrograms. e. Performs all varieties of MRI studies including Cardiac, Neuro, Body, Breast, MSK, and Vascular exams. Over 25% of these studies will be comprised of more complex exams: prostate, breast, cardiac, and research procedures. f. Experience in Cardiac and Cardiac Stress imaging, Perfusion, Cardiac gating, and MRI safe patient monitoring systems and infusion pumps is preferred. g. Experience in MRI Breast imaging and works with radiologists for MRI guided breast biopsies is preferred. h. Proficient in all Abdominal/Pelvis/body imaging including Enterography, Liver, Renal, Pancreas, MRCP, and Urograms. Male and female pelvis studies including prostate, scrotum, penis, implantable pumps, bladder, uterus, anal fistula, and rectal cancer. Soft tissue lesions and masses throughout the body. i. Proficient in all Neuro exams including stroke, seizure, IAC, pituitary, pineal, and hydrocephalus protocols. MRA/MRV of the head, neck, and spinal cord. Brachial plexus, and with and without contrast spinal exams. j. Proficient in all Angio/Vacular procedures including contrast enhanced, Time of Flight, Phase contrast, runoff, and great vessels. k. Proficient in MSK imaging including all joints and long bones, both with and without contrast. Arthrography, positioning, and timing of contrast injection, utilizing Interventional radiology and MRI. Work Schedule: Full-Time position to include week evenings until 8:00PM/weekend day shifts. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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