As a Diagnostic Radiologic MRI Technologist above the full performance level, the incumbent has the responsibility for the performance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams under the direction of the Radiologist. The MRI Technologist 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 and carries out the assigned tasks independently.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to: Receives patients and ensures proper identification. Provides patient education while continually assessing the condition and needs of patients to ensure patient safety, comfort and privacy before placing the patient in the MRI scanner. Interviews each patient before the exam to determine if the patient has a contraindication for MRI Functions as an expert, regarding software and hardware capability and performance of the MRI unit Selects proper pulse sequences to best demonstrate the patients' pathology Makes recommendations to improve, maintain, and to update the MRI protocols for the radiologist Effectively coordinates with staff and patients of the VA Hospital, to assure that the service is carried out in a prompt and effective manner Oversees maintenance of the MRI suite ensuring cleanliness, proper mechanical operation, and execution of infection control policy and maintenance of supply levels for each exam Facilitates the implementation of software and hardware updates , and services calls for repair, calibration and maintenance of cryogens Monitors the PACS system to ensure images are archiving and transferring properly Performs all major duties including coordination the schedule for MRI patient exams Prioritizes and evaluates the nature/need of critical or emergency procedures Performs venipuncture and injects contrast material for MRI exams as necessary Serves as liaison with all levels of management pertaining to the MRI section Executes actions which will guarantee quality image results, to assure that the highest quality of diagnostic imaging is generated Responsible for cross training radiologic technologist in MRI physics, position and coil selection Attends weekly in-service continuing education program to stay abreast of current policies and procedures Formulates training in MRI techniques for the radiologic technologist and medical students Responsible for updating the MRI's technical policy and procedures manual Monitors all MRI equipment and techniques for optimum performance Images anatomic detail of the human body in three cross-sectional planes Chooses appropriate pulse sequences considering how surface anatomy relates to the position of internal organs Demonstrates the relationship to medical and surgical disease statuses and to absorption and excretion of relaxation in tissues after the administration of contrast materials Makes preliminary interpretations of exams to determine whether exams illustrate diagnostic objectives, and to improve them through proper control of contrast and relaxation weighting to optimize their clarity for diagnostic use Modifies the patients' position if needed to fully illustrate abnormalities, such as mass lesions, and taking additional images to fully illustrate these abnormalities Teaches staff on the effects of the external magnetic field on tissues' protons, the use of radiofrequency fields to produce a magnetic resonance experiment, how to generate signals suitable for image reconstruction Performs quality assurance measures daily to ensure a safe working environment Work Schedule: Every other Saturday, 7:30am - 4:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #60096F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) Certification: 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. Education: Must have completed 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). Credentialing Standards: Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technician - Magnetic Resonance Imaging GS-0647-10 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-09) 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. 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. ii. 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. iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. iv. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. Magnetic Resonance Imaging: 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. 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] References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G25 Physical Requirements: Must be able to meet the physical requirements outlined in 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 James H Quillen VA Medical Center Corner of Lamont Street and Veterans Way Mountain Home, TN 37684 US
• Name: Rekha Shastry
• Phone: 360-450-8391
• Email: [email protected]