Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

Summary Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) – Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) position assigned to Atlanta VA Health Care System Radiology Service within the Magnetic Resonance Imaging section. Qualifications Applicants pending 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 Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States 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 For modalities requiring advanced certification, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on‑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 other accrediting agencies recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation – which may also result in termination of employment. 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. 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). 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist – GS‑09. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. Technical KSAs Demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and potential to acquire assignment‑specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): * Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. * Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. 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. Assignments For assignments above the full performance level – the higher‑level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity, difficulty, and range of variety – performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to 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. Technologists 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. Preferred Experience: 2 Years. Physical Requirements Heavy lifting – 45 pounds and over Moderate carrying – 15–44 pounds Pushing up to 4 hours Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers – good dexterity (both hands required) Prolonged walking – prolonged standing Repeated bending Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 Ability to distinguish basic colors Hearing aid permitted Speed in working Emotional stability Duties Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs 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. Specific duties include but are not limited to: Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Accurate operation of MRI imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality utilizing the standardized amount of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Perform a wide variety of MRI exams – including but not limited to the spine, head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities – utilizing specialized sequences to visualize anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Perform MRI imaging of peripheral and visceral vessels through MR Angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities. Conduct MRI safety screenings to identify possible contraindications prior to the examination. Position the patient within the MRI system, monitor patient during all phases of the appropriate examination, and remove patient from the MR system upon completion. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 3:00 pm (subject to change based on agency need). Telework: Not Available; Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Reference For more information on this qualification standard – please visit #J-18808-Ljbffr