The Advanced DRT (MRI) will have full knowledge of equipment and protocols/procedures in both General Diagnostic X-ray and MRI sections and may be asked to perform duties in either section dependent on departmental needs. Incumbent will have working knowledge of the PACS system, VISTA, and GPRS computer programs. Ensures images are transmitted successfully. Maintains ARRT licensure requirements and meets all VA standards for continuing education.

Duties

The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) will perform procedures and examinations under the general direction of the Lead Technologist or Chief Technologist of Radiology or the Radiologist. The Advanced DRT (General X-Ray) utilizes digital equipment to perform diagnostic radiography procedures. This requires the technologist to have knowledge of human anatomy. The selectee will perform procedures as a team member with other technologists such as chest, extremities, spines, skull, sinus, abdominal studies, and any other procedure that does not require the direct presence of a radiologist. In all procedure cases, where a patient's consent is needed. A consent form must be documented in the patient chart. Sterile technique must always be practiced. The incumbent performs routine, daily cleaning of assigned area, and notifies supervisor of inventory changes. The Advanced DRT sets up-x-ray room; assures that supplies, or other required equipment are present as required by procedure or patient's condition. He/she receives patients, explains method of procedure, positions patient, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required, and makes exposures necessary for the requested examinations. The incumbent performs daily inspection and operate the MRI scanner under the direction of the Lead/MR Safety Officer (MRSO) Technologist or Chief Technologist of Radiology, the MRI Technologist works independently and performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging procedures. He/she will perform all diagnostic MRI exams (head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities), MRA's and MR guided procedures (biopsies). These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials, so the technologist is required to be able to establishes IV access and administers IV contrast. He/she will observe patient for signs and symptoms of adverse contrast reaction while initiating the appropriate response for varying levels of severity. The incumbent will discuss any exam that deviates from normal protocol set by the radiologist. The duties performed are almost exclusively hands-on technical duties. The incumbent will assure optimum patient care, quality control, and comply with departmental SOPs. The incumbent must be able to follow written protocols and instructions of the radiologist. He/she will adhere to basic principles of radiofrequency and magnetic safety to protect the patient and the operating personnel. The incumbent must adhere to and be familiar with infection control policies and procedures to be followed on patients undergoing diagnostic studies on the MRI unit. Incumbent will be responsible for insuring proper cleaning and decontamination of the equipment as necessary. He/she is responsible for managing the patient flow throughout the MRI suite, ensuring efficiency or operations and limit patient wait time. Incumbent must be on-call and must be available to perform emergency procedures that require use of MRI scan examinations. An advanced ARRT certification is required for this assignment in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Work Schedule: M-F 8am to 4:30pm. This Position supports 24/7 operations throughout the calendar year. Work is typically performed on the day shift; however, candidate may be subject to overtime work, shift work, and/or work on rotating shifts to include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Subject to call back outside tour of duty. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: GS-0647-09 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Monique Head [email protected] the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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.

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. 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). Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment Grade Determinations: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08 directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-09 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions References: See VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-25. English Language Proficiency: Employee must be proficient in spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C 7402(d), and 7407(d) The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09 Physical Requirements: See VA directive and Handbook 5019. The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds or over; moderate carrying 15-45 pounds; pushing, pulling, and reaching above shoulders up to 4 hours; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, standing, and/or sitting; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid not permitted in Zone 4); and speed in working. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

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 Central Virginia VA Health Care System 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard Richmond, VA 23249 US
• Name: Adrienne Joyner
• Phone: 980-401-2558
• Email: [email protected]