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. 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. 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.]. (Certification required). 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.] English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d), and 7407 (d). Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). 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 5, 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. 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: Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of 1 year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) (MR) - GS-9 (Full Performance Level )Experience: All applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08 in the federal government. (this experience must be clearly detailed on your resume to be found qualified). Certification. In addition to DRT basic requirements and experience equivalent to the GS-8, ARRT certification is required for Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR) assignments. Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSA). You 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. Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather 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. (Your experience must be detailed in your résumé to receive full credit.) References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 dated December 13, 2019. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Performs a wide variety of highly complex Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examinations for patients to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury. Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: a. Receives and reviews requests from physicians and other health care providers for MRI examinations of patients. Determines the condition(s) at issue and the best way to meet the needs of the individual case b. Receives and positions patient for examination. Explains procedures and actions to allay fears and secure maximum cooperation. c. Sets up, adjusts and operates MRI equipment. Selects the appropriate protocol(s), and conducts examination, adjusting technique and equipment to best present the medically significant aspects found. If unanticipated conditions or anomalies are discovered, extends and modifies procedure to ensure full and accurate information as to findings and patient condition. Monitors patient condition during examination and, if necessary, renders emergency aid and summons assistance. Assists radiologist or physician in evaluating results. d. Trains other personnel in MRI principles, procedures, capabilities, techniques, and equipment. Explains concepts and principles of the methodology and its use and limitations as a diagnostic tool. Develops MRI imaging training plans for incorporation in other programs of instruction. Conducts hands-on training and technical oversight of other technologists. Develops or adapts and documents new or changed procedures to accommodate equipment changes or new techniques in MR imaging. e. Performs operator level maintenance and care of equipment. Assists in calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions of all equipment associated with the MRI unit. Identifies need for and initiates action to obtain higher-level support. f. Establishes and monitors quality control program. g. Assures migration of images from the MRI unit to the Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) is correct and complete. h. Establishes and maintains a variety of files and records relating to MRI activities and functions. Prepares reports of examinations, equipment status and utilization, workload, supply status and consumption, and related matters. i. Maintain active certification by ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) as required by DM&S Circular 10-86-72 DTD 6-20-86 All other duties assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00am - 4:30pm) EDRP Authorized: Contact Cherly.Lahair@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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