Employees at this grade are functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently for Radiology Service at Chalmers P. Wylie VAACC in Columbus, Ohio. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level clinical instruction, and basic Quality Management type duties within the program. Under the direction of the Chief of Radiology by way of the Radiology Supervisor with minimal oversight.'

Duties

Functions of Scope of Assigned Duties; a. Receives requests or instructions to independently perform both diagnostic and MRI procedures as well as other collateral duties as assigned. Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers. Performs as technologist in charge when assigned. Understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance of the supervisor when an uncommon, unique, or new procedure is required. b. Reviews MRI protocols and patient lab results prior to beginning exam. Performs point of care testing to determine whether creatinine levels are appropriate for contrast studies. c. Confers with the radiologist to establish requirements of nonstandard examinations and determines technical factors, positioning, number, thickness and cut of scans, etc., to comply with the specified MRI exam requested. d. Maintains knowledge for appropriate positioning, this includes knowledge of MRI management software to perform specific exams; enters exam into computer which has standard preselected digital settings for each MRI procedure to select, view and transfer images. Manages troubleshooting operations (such as when unit has gone down due to a failure and must be brought up again); and manual override procedures to finish a series of scans when external conditions would otherwise cause the machine to shut off. e. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Explains procedures and positions to patients for desired results. Also, cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, or intravenously under supervision by the Radiologist. f. Operates digital radiography equipment. Determines technical factors, sets controls, and ensures that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. Ensures ALARA principle is applied for every exam. (As low as reasonably achievable). Performs daily and weekly quality assurance tests to ensure proper equipment function. h. Registers patients for examinations and updates status as necessary. Performs clerical duties as they relate to patient care. Accesses the medical record as necessary to view laboratory results or to verify exam order. i. Reviews new developments in the profession and makes recommendations to implement processes which would improve radiology operations j. Assesses factors that may contraindicate the procedure such as patient mobility, current physical or mental status, or other factors that may not allow for a safe working environment. k. Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries. Cleans equipment and area after use. Performs routine maintenance and quality control. Recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment in a timely manner. l. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities as needed. Notifies radiologist if scan requires their immediate attention. m. Performs picture archival (PACS) duties. The technologist captures digital radiographs, configures the image, and verifies patient information before transmitting to PACS. This procedure requires a general knowledge of computer operations. Image manipulation and transmission is critical in digital radiography as lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the radiograph. n. Attends and participates in radiology department staff and specific sectional meetings. Acts as subject matter expert for both radiography and MRI. q. Other duties as assigned by supervisor. Work Schedule: Saturday and Sunday 7:30am - 6:00pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:91696-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE FOR QUALIFYING APPLICANTS

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 and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 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. 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), and 7407(d). Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing magnetic environment that patients, visitor, and equipment enter. The technologist 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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: 1. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. 2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. 3. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. 4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. 5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. 6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedure, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 12/2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09 Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling (1 hour); Pushing (1-2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid may be permitted).

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 Chalmers P Wylie Veterans Outpatient Clinic 420 North James Road Columbus, OH 43219 US
• Name: Brent Nixon
• Phone: 614-257-5503
• Email: [email protected]