Summary

This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) position is assigned to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center - Radiology Service - Magnetic Resonance Imaging section within the facility.

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.

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
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written 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 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)
• 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
• 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)
• 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: 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSA's
• 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 https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS09
• Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
• May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - puling - and pushing
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
• Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
• the area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilated
• However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - position is assigned to the Diagnostic & Therapeutic Care Line (DTCL) MEDVAMC Radiology Service - Magnetic Resonance Imaging section
• Technologists at this level requires advance education in Magnetic Resonance Imaging - i-STAT operation - placement of peripheral intravenous catheter - administration of contrast media via power injector and knowledge of general imaging radiography
• Employee at this level is considered fully functional and able to carry out their assigned tasks independently
• Performs technical work in support of Diagnostic Radiology under the direct supervision of a physician
• Position is that of a radiologic technologist operating the super conductive Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI) - a highly complex computerized imaging device which employs the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to acquire images
• The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist - employee at this level is fully functional as a DRT and can carry out the assigned tasks independently
• The primary duties of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) may include but are not limited to: - Operates MRI equipment to capture high-quality diagnostic images in accordance with radiologists' protocol and physician's specifications - Verifies patient identification and reviews medical history relevant to the MRI procedure - Screens patients for contraindications such as metal implants or pacemakers - Explains the MRI procedure clearly and addresses any concerns to ensure patient understanding and comfort - reducing any anxiety - Provides thorough patient education regarding the procedure - including expectations - duration - and noise levels - Communicates clearly with patients - especially those who are anxious - claustrophobic - or in pain - Delivers patient care tailored to meet the cognitive - emotional - and developmental needs of adult and geriatric patients - Performs various MRI exams on head - neck - spine - chest - abdomen - pelvis and extremities - with and without contrast - Performs Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) exams of the veins and arteries throughout the body - including those in the brain - neck - heart - chest - abdomen - pelvis and limbs - Prepares - positions - and immobilizes patients accurately and comfortably in the MRI scanner using cushions - straps - or supports to ensure comfort - patient safety - high-quality imaging - and to minimize motion artifacts - Selects and uses the appropriate imaging protocols based on the clinical indications - the patient's requisition - and the radiologist's or SAO protocol - Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat - pre-op - urgent and routine exams - Reviews all radiology requests for accuracy - appropriateness - and desired date
• They investigate any questionable details and consult with the radiologist - if necessary - documents all relevant information in VistA and/or the patient's Electronic Health Record before contacting the patient to perform the exam - Modifies scan parameter and imaging sequences as needed to accommodate patient condition or image needs - Maintains the ability to identify equipment functionality that may affect scan times - Proactively recommends methods to avoid unnecessary scanning - Maintains technical proficiency among the variety of scanners their perspective applications and protocols Work Schedule: 12:30pm - 9:00pm Monday -Friday Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• 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
• Functional Statement #: 580-00184-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized