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The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT/MRI) for the VA Loma Linda Health Care System performs both CT and MRI exams as a Dual Specialty Modality Technologist on a routine daily basis (50% each). This individual must be expert in performing both modalities and be able to prioritize the urgency of their work to maintain optimum patient care in both areas. 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). NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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. Preferred Experience: Must have no less than three (3) years of Computed Tomography (CT) Must have three (3) years of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) experiences for the past 10 years Grade Determinations: GS-10 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT/MRI) Experience: 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. (2) 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: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. 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: i. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. ii. 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. iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. iv. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. References: VHA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 Dated December 13, 2019, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard GS-0647. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: 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; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. ["Duties include but are not limited to: Performs all CT/MRI examinations in multiple planes, including axial, coronal, sagittal and dynamic blood flow studies of the head and/or body. Reformats CT/MRI images as directed by the Radiologist. Works independently in performing CT/MRI examinations, confers with radiologists only to establish the requirements of nonstandard examinations, and determines technical requirements of the CT/MRI examination. Independently reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested. If a discrepancy exists, takes the appropriate corrective action. Performs daily pre-procedure calibrations on the scanner to determine if the scanner is within diagnostic specification. Takes corrective action and redoes the calibration to bring the scanner values to acceptable levels. Performs venipuncture for those exams requiring the administration of IV contrast. Makes an independent decision on the injection flow rate and the delay time of imaging of the automated power injector based on the knowledge of the suspected pathology, and his independent assessment of the viability of the patient's vein. Uses a wide variety of computerized equipment specific to CT/MRI, as well as be proficient with the use of power injector systems, patient monitoring devices, colon insufflators, 3D workstations and the PACS, IMPAX computer viewing station software. Utilizes the hospital computer systems such as VISTA and CPRS as well as be proficient in exam selection. Maintains the CT/MRI area with proper medical and Emergency supplies needed for optimal patient care, safety and efficiency. Maintains all CT/MRI record keeping that is required and takes an active role in the hospital and Radiology QM and Safety Programs. Reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested. In addition, determines which protocol and sequences will be scanned based on the patient's clinical history and diagnosis. Makes an independent judgment to obtain additional images, perform post processing functions such as MIPs, vascular isolation, 3-Dimensional reconstructions, or perform additional post processing to achieve effectively thinner slices, or use a different processing algorithm to better achieve the diagnostic objective. Performs additional 3-Dimensional reconstructions on the 3D workstation post procedure, to further isolate vascular or other structures of interest to enhance the diagnostic effectiveness of the exam. Performs daily pre-procedure quality control on the scanner and interprets this information to determine if the scanner is within diagnostic specification. Takes corrective action and redoes the calibration to bring the scanner values to acceptable levels. Determines what anatomical areas and scanner techniques will be used based on the information obtained in the patient's clinical history and interview with the patient for maximum diagnostic effectiveness. Reviews his images and if he determines the diagnostic goal was not met initially, the Technologist will make an independent judgment to redo the sequence, take addition slices or alter the technique to achieve the clinical goal before the exam is terminated. Additional duties as required. Work Schedule: Weekdays 3:00pm - 11:30pm and/or Weekends 8:00am - 4:30pm - Irregular tours Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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