Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR)

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Qualifications 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 (CERTIFICATION REQUIRED) Education Completion of a full‑time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 equivalents) 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) (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist – GS‑9 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 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 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 Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit This position is above the full performance level at GS‑9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Duties Adheres to safety standards while using MRI equipment for the protection of patients – employees and contractors Deviates equipment use or procedures and techniques in the event of mechanical failure to any part of equipment Determines the need to call for repair and/or maintenance of equipment by notifying defects or deficiencies to the Chief Technologist/Administrative Officer or designee Daily utilizes skeletal – vascular – neurological – trans‑sectional anatomy – physiology and cross‑sectional anatomy such as the location and appearance of abnormalities which are illustrated by general diagnostic/MRI scanning Utilizes basic psychology for handling patients in all phases of general diagnostic/MRI including critical care – trauma – apprehensive – and disoriented patients – and to cope with patients’ families Functions with all types of personnel as a team member and to think and act independently under extreme pressure Performs first‑aid procedures for seizures – cardiac arrest – anaphylactic shock – and contrast reactions Performs duties relative to radiology aseptic and/or sterile procedures – and decontamination procedures in the event of a contaminated field – room and/or an isolation patient Utilizes general diagnostic/MRI technical exposure factors and programming – and reviews images for quality control determinations by checking density – contrast – distortion and other varying factors Utilizes computers as related to general diagnostic/MRI scanning – maintenance of workstation computer files – daily QA and calibration procedures – limited preventive maintenance to general diagnostic/MRI scanning unit and computer components for emergency troubleshooting Performs basic computer operations including keyboard inputs – purpose – and functions – or computer programs needed to carry out other job duties Utilizes available resources to ensure safety of hardware – implants – and devices Performs more complex exams and acts as a contact point for another technologist when performing complex examinations Communicates with radiologist about special needs/request and determines best course of action Screens patients and staff before entering scan room Is aware of and practices the safety policies and procedures of the medical center and service – and participates in quality assurance activities as directed Will utilize MRI emergency response actions including code blue – rapid response – code magenta – behavioral – and fire drill as needed Participates in the MRI safety committee to ensure the facility adheres to VHA policy and Joint Commission guidelines for MRI safety Properly identifies patients by adhering to medical center policies and archiving correct patient identifiers in the PAC System Explains exams to patients and verifies that the patient understands what is to be done and any hazard involved Optimizes use of the MRI scanner and maintains flexibility to allow for emergency cases Employs interpersonal skills in everyday functions to provide timely and accurate patient care Determines if patient needs lab test Interprets lab results to ensure injection of contrast is safe for the patient Ensures the MRI area is properly stocked of supplies and related material Reconstructs – archives – and records images on computer disc (CD) if needed Work schedule: Full‑time Mon‑Fri – 3 pm to 11 pm with rotating call coverage EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13‑26 days of annual leave – 13 days of sick leave – 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual – based on prior work experience or military service experience Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth – adoption – or foster care placement of a child Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment – full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position #J-18808-Ljbffr Asct