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Performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) and radiographic examinations of the head, neck spine, chest, body and extremities. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. 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). Physical Requirements. See below and VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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).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. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, provisions may apply. GRADE REQUIREMENTS. Creditable Experience Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), interventional radiologic technology (IR), quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor. 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. GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-08 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:(a). Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.(b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.(c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.(d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.(e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.(f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-09Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs 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. 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):(a)*Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.(b)Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.(c)*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.(d) knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.(e)Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.(f)Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 December 13, 2019 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 9. Physical Requirements: Pre-placement physical examination to determine the physical, cognitive and emotional fitness of candidates for appointment in VA is required, and shall be completed prior to appointment, for all full-time, part-time and intermittent positions. ["This position includes and not limited to the following: Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize all of the radiographic equipment including MRI scanner times while maintaining a flexibility to allow for emergency cases. This requires the prioritization of scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the extreme emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of MRI scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises radiologists of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and performance of the exam. Performs technical work in support of routine, diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Prepares and administers contrast materials that are used in MRI exams, such as oral, rectal and IV. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepares and administers it. Prepares magnet for daily operation, brings system up, checks all self-calibrating parameters. Constantly monitors all equipment brought into the MRI environment to ensure it is MRI safe or MRI compatible. Positions patient within the examining unit and monitors patient duration all phases of the examination. Provides hearing protection to patient. Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Radiology Service policy. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Maintains and enters items in QO documentation and monitors phantom testing to ensure that quality control is performed using QC phantom. Responsible for assuming various rotating schedules as determined by the Supervisor, Radiology Service. Rotations will consist of coverage in MRI and X-ray. Preferred Siemens Equipment Experience. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts, On-call, and Holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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."]

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