This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR), position is assigned to the Atlanta VA Health Care System, Radiology Service, within the Magnetic Resonance Imaging section.

Duties

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. Duties include however, are not limited to: Accurately operates MRI imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality utilizing the standardized amount of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Works under the supervision of the MRI Supervisor or designee and the Chief Tech or designee and rotates all responsibilities within the MRI section. Incumbent will also support the diagnostic radiology section by providing coverage in this area, as needed. Works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and/or the MRI Supervisor/designee or the Chief Tech/designee on more difficult problems. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives. Is responsible for performing a wide variety of MRI exams, which includes but is not limited to the spine, head, neck, chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, and Extremities, 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. Maintains competence in Venipuncture and refers to the Radiology Service (MRI) contrast policy for guidelines on the use of Gadolinium contrast media within the MRI Section. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in MRI, to include MR Angiography and other exams. Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness. Reviews the MRI order for accuracy, noting and researching all questionable information; preferably, prior to the patient being scheduled, but at a minimum, prior to performing the exam. Inputs pertinent information into the designated computer systems and has knowledge to register, complete, cancel and edit exams. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, ASAP, urgent, and routine exams. Conducts MRI safety screenings to identify possible contraindications prior to the examination. Clarifies the scanning protocol, via protocol book or radiologist instructions. Confers with the radiologist to establish requirements with reference to contrast agents, vital signs, medications, allergies, and other physiological monitoring prior to performing the examination. Ensures that the appropriate supplies are available prior to starting a procedure/exam or notify the appropriate officials/departments if supplies are not present. Operates all computer network devices necessary to route images to PACS and Teleradiology upon completion of examination. Operates and maximizes utilization of all equipment. Independently identifies, performs and completes active radiologic exams. Coordinates examinations that require radiologist direction around physician availability, maximizing exam room effectiveness. Independently identifies, performs and completes inpatient radiology exams whenever possible, to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment for hospitalized patients. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 2:00PM - 10:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54035F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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: 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 Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. 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 REQUIREMENTS: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-09 In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Experience. At least one 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. 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 and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. 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: 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.] References: VHA Handbook 5005/119 PART II Appendix G25, December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: The physical demand of the work may include Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing aid permitted; speed in working; and emotional stability. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

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 Atlanta VA Medical Center 1670 Clairmont Road Decatur, GA 30033 US
• Name: Donna Mackey-Pollard
• Phone: 334-590-9523
• Email: [email protected]