This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR), position is assigned to the Imaging section within the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital. The Technologist performs MRI examinations and additional job functions within the MRI Department 100 percent of the time. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist, employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and carries out the assigned tasks independently.

Duties

This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of super conducting 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 into. The Technologist must have specific specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology, how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body, and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and Surgical diseases. The technologist must also have a specialized knowledge in the radiofrequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in Computerized/Digital Radiography (CR/DR) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). Technologist meets the requirements set forth by Edward Hines, Jr. VA and the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital Radiology Department. The Technologist is competent and responsible for reading, understanding, and following all Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital and Radiology policies and procedures and maintaining compliance in all requirements essential to maintaining their position. These policies include but are not limited to maintaining required certifications and licenses, MRI Safety Policy, Administration of Contrast Media Policy, Radiation Safety Policy, Infection Control Policies and Procedures, Imaging Service Safety Policy, Standard Operating Procedures, RME Policies and Procedures, and all other policies and procedures that relate to Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital and the Radiology Department. Maintains knowledge of all department and MRI section policies, acknowledging the receipt and understanding of these policies by signing the supervisory copy of the policy. Performs irregular hour emergency scans on call, 24 hours per day, coverage. Requires the Technologist be available within 60 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations. Responsible for assuming various rotating schedules as determined by the Operations Manager, Radiology Service. Performs all aspects of MRI imaging head, neck, spine, abdomen, pelvis, musculoskeletal, special imaging procedures such as Arthrograms, MRA/MRV angiography exams utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Advanced level imaging to include MRI Cardiac imaging and dedicated Prostate imaging utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Performs MRI imaging of the peripheral and visceral vessels through MR Angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities. These MR angiographic studies include renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. All exams are performed following the protocols and procedures for Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital Radiology department. Responsible for maintenance of Level 1 and Level 2 MRI safety training. Responsible for screening patients, care givers, medical providers, and all others who enter the MRI suite for contraindications for entering Zone IV. Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions including renal function for patients requiring contrast agents per Radiology service policy. Responsible for explaining exams and risks to competent patients so the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. When applicable, assists the Radiologist to obtain the patient's consent. Responsible for operating and maximizing utilization of a wide variety of highly sophisticated imaging equipment including but not limited to Power Injectors, 30 Reconstruction Software, Siemens 1.5T Sola, Siemens 1.5T Espree and Siemens 3T Skyra MRI scanners. Uses independent judgment and possess the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus and when necessary, confers with Radiologists to determine requirement of non standard exams. Determines technical factors such as repetition time, TE, bandwidth, field of view, slice thickness, etc. to produce high quality images and satisfy requirements of MR exams. Technologist advises Radiologists or referring physicians of examination results and notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Ability to monitor patient Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service procedure manual for guidelines on MRI Safety, Administration of Contrast Media, and other relevant Radiology policies and procedures. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 3:00pm-11:30pm Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Requirements

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). 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: Applicants must have 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). 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: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR), GS-0647-10 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. 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. 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.] 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. 2. 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. 3. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. 4. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Edward Hines Junior Hospital 5000 South 5th Avenue Hines, IL 60141 US
• Name: Frankie Fessler-Boylan
• Phone: 515-868-4959
• Email: [email protected]