The incumbent has the responsibility for planning, developing, and directing the MRI operations of Radiology Service. This involves providing MRI studies for the in-patient, out-patient, ED clinics, and ICU areas throughout the medical center and the Jefferson Barracks location. Incumbent supports the GS 10 MRI Technologists and Chief of the Radiology Service.

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 practitioner must have specific 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 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). Duties include but are not limited to: Serves as operator of a super conductive magnetic resource unit. The operator will be developing new techniques, defining optimal protocols, devising alternative ways to visualize pathology within the patient. Interaction with physician, physicists, computer programs, and biomed engineers will be normal occurrence of the daily duties of the operator. Provides patient care which is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. Positions patient within the examing unit (MRI), monitors patient during all phases of the examination, and removes patient from the influence of the magnetic field upon completion of the data acquisition. Coordinates with radiologist and physicist to determine the most ideal parameters to pulse the magnet for each individualized patient examination. Programs technical factors by interrogating computer console and responding with inputs that will result in the parameters of pulse form, pulse sequence, slice profile, etc.Monitors the examination by checking computations, performances, and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer generated data and images. Assists manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions associated with the MRI unit. Maintains equipment malfunction and downtime log. Establishes and monitors quality control programs. Maintains examination log, computer data and technical parameters on each examination. Coordinates daily schedule and requests with hospital physicians, clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to next day and future day's availability for patient examinations. Maintains supplies required for all MRI examinations. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to Imaging manager those that would improve the operation of the MRI department. Must keep his/her technical knowledge up to date by attending Continued Medical Education training. Should also keep his/her knowledge related to Safety and Infections ControlUpdates. Must be familiar with agency policies and regulations to follow it accordingly. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for MRI examinations in an effort to minimize delays of exams. Explains examinations to be performed to the patients and wards so that an understanding of the purpose of the studies as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate MRI exam may be obtained in an effort to get diagnostic examinations for the purpose of treatment and diagnosis of disorders. Performs or monitors safety checks on patients, employees and visitors to comply with FDA safety standards and JCAHO regulations regarding ferrous objects and cardiac pacemakers prior to those persons entering the environment of the magnetic field. Incumbent will function as MRI Safety Officer Assigns work based on priorities, consideration of difficulty and requirements of assignments, and capabilities of employees. Evaluates and directs work performance of subordinates. Evaluate technical imaging contractors work to ensure quality and standards compliance. Oversees work of MRI Makes decisions on work problems presented by facility supervisors, administrators, facility team leaders, similar personnel, and contractors. Provides advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both clinical and administrative matters. Follows established Quality Assurance (QA) guidelines and protocols to insure integrity, availability, authenticity and confidentiality of imaging data transmitted by the various modalities. This requires personally previewing imaging coming from modalities prior to storage in the PACS archive. The incumbent assists Radiologists and provides evaluation and reports to upper management regarding the effectiveness of PACS imaging for the veterans. Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees.

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 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), . 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. 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).] English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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). Grade Determinations: For the GS-11 grade you must have 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 needed to provide services as a supervisory radiologic technologist. In addition you must demonstrate that you possess the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) Ability to provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work. *Ability to resolve informal employee complaints. *Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures. Ability to perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 Physical Requirements: This position requires long periods of standing and walking, some bending, and carrying of light items. Ability to reach above shoulder required. Ability to push and straight pull. Both hands and use of fingers required. Must be able to lift and move moderately heavy items.

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 VA St Louis Health Care System 1 Jefferson Barracks Drive St. Louis, MO 63125 US
• Name: Harold Gotsch
• Phone: (314) 643-7995
• Email: [email protected]