Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR)

Summary The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) – Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) – position is part of the Medical Imaging – Radiology Service – Magnetic Resonance Imaging section at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. The MRI Technologist 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, and carries out the assigned tasks independently. Qualifications 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 CT – MRI or Mammography 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 continued development – technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on‑the‑job training under the oversight of a certified radiologic technologist Education: Applicants must have completed a full‑time training course of at least 24 months 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 recognized accrediting agencies Grace‑ful qualifications may be based on the Grandfathering Provision for current VHA employees who meet the criteria Grade Determinations: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR) – GS‑0647‑10 – Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS‑09 level directly related to the position being filled, demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate 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 increase exposures, and recommend methods to prevent such exposures Knowledge of basic physics – concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of X‑ray – to understand equipment operation Proficiency in positioning patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies Assignments: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher‑level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity, and variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to those modalities as well as general diagnostic procedures Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) – this specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and their relationship to human anatomy in medical imaging Safety: The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter Specialized knowledge of cross‑sectional anatomy, radio‑frequency surface coils, and contrast media – power injectors and PACS is required; independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification Preferred Experience: 5 years of experience preferred Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting – 45 pounds or more; moderate carrying – 15‑44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers – good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking and standing; repeated bending; rapid mental and muscular coordination; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; color distinction; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; emotional stability; ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. Duties Read, understand, and follow all Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and Radiology policies and procedures, ensuring compliance essential to maintaining the position Assume various rotating schedules as determined by the Operations Manager – Radiology Service Perform all aspects of MRI imaging (head, neck, spine, abdomen, pelvis, musculoskeletal) including special procedures such as arthrograms, MRA/MRV angiography, using specialized sequences to visualize anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis Maintain Level 1 and Level 2 MRI safety training Screen patients, caregivers, medical providers, and all others who enter the MRI suite for contraindications to Zone IV entry Ensure MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions, including renal function for patients requiring contrast agents per Radiology service policy Explain exams and risks to competent patients so they understand what will be done and any possible hazards Operate and maximize utilization of sophisticated imaging equipment, including Power Injectors, 3D Reconstruction Software, and Siemens 1.5 T Symphony and 3 T Skyra MRI scanners Determine technical factors (repetition time, TE, bandwidth, field of view, slice thickness, etc.) to produce high‑quality images and satisfy MR exam requirements Maintain competence in venipuncture; refer to the Radiology Service procedure manual for MRI safety, contrast media administration, and relevant policies Prepare contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist for all MRI exams, including general, specialized, and MR angiography Ensure accurate application of contrast materials to avoid potential patient mortality risks Schedule and/or reschedule appointments within appropriate time frames as outlined in hospital directives or memoranda Receive and interpret all radiology requests for accuracy and appropriateness; review imaging orders, screening information, and research any questionable data before contacting the patient or performing the exam Stock and inventory all supplies; notify Supervisor when supplies are unavailable and monitor expiration dates for compliance Properly identify patient images using the HIS/RIS patient identification lists, markers, contrast type, timelines, and positioning for each view/scan Identify areas of interest on all images, when applicable, to prevent mistaken identity of patient images Report all accidents promptly and notify supervisor of unsafe or unhealthy conditions in the workplace Attend scheduled training sessions and participate in facility or service‑level safety promotions as directed by supervisor Perform other assigned duties as required Work Schedule: 10:00 am to 6:30 pm with weekends and on‑call rotations Telework: Not available; virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 05768F; Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs