The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) performs as a fully functional diagnostic radiologic technologist in the specialization of MRI. Employee is an operator of the superconductive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner, a highly complex computerized imaging device which employs the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to acquire images. Supports radiologists or other medical professionals to produce imaging studies used to diagnose medical conditions.

Duties

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-09 is responsible for supports radiologist or other medical officers to produce imaging studies used to diagnose medical conditions. Following roles duties and responsibilities included but not limited to: The incumbent is responsible for setting up and positioning patients, provides immobilization devices, selects proper technical factors and operates the MRI equipment on an individual patient basis and specific to the exam being imaged. The incumbent interacts with patients, explains exam procedures, positions patients within the scanner, visually and auditory monitoring patients during all phases of the examination, and records all pertinent patient exam information for permanent record. Produces high quality examinations utilizing and selecting proper patient positioning, imaging techniques, examination protocols, examination sequences, and proper equipment parameters as outlined by departmental protocols and policies set forth by the Radiologist and Physicist. Interactions with physicians, scientists, physicists, computer programmers, manufacture's technical design engineers, and biomedical engineers with be a normal occurrence of the daily duties of the operator, along with patient interactions. Evaluates new products and equipment, making recommendations to supervisor concerning upgrades/new purchases that would improve operations. Coordinates daily schedule and consults with hospital physicians, clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to the next day and future day's availability for patient examinations. Incumbent will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the area for which he/she is responsible. Maintains a knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray to understand the operation of the equipment. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 2:30pm-11:00pm. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:00000 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. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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). 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. Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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. NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. 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. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it. 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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements listed above, applicants must meet the grade requirements for 1 year equivalent to at least next lower grade level GS-8. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-8 level, 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. Specialized Experience: 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. Preferred Experience: Knowledge of MRI safety polices and patient safety protocols Ability to effectively communicate with patients. Strong organizational and multitasking skills Ability to work independently and in a team environment. Excellent interpersonal skills. Flexibility to work various shift and overtime. Current Registration with American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) (RT) (MR). Minimum of an associate degree in Radiology Technology.. Current certification in BCLS Venipuncture. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, PART II, APPENDIX G25, December 13, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, moderate carrying, reaching above shoulders, use of fingers and hands required, walking, standing, and repeated bending.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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).

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 San Diego VA Medical Center 3350 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, CA 92161 US
• Name: Tonya Stewart
• Phone: 858-232-7825
• Email: [email protected]