Incumbent is an Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) (MR) (CT) at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center performing computerized tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) and radiographic examinations of the head, neck spine, chest, body and extremities. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT / MRI scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises radiologists of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and performance of the exam. Must be continuously on alert for the patient's condition. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, ect. Performs technical work in support of routine, diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage), sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Selects and sets technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations. Prepares and administers contrast materials that are used in CT/ MRI/ Radiographic exams, such as oral, rectal and IV. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepares and administers it. In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. The incumbent is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. Prepares magnet for daily operation, brings system up, checks all self-calibrating parameters. Cleans and prepares equipment surfaces in accordance with established infection control guidelines. Performs routine archiving status checks and deletes data according to established guidelines. Constantly monitors all equipment brought into the MRI environment to ensure it is MRI safe or MRI compatible. Never permits unauthorized personnel inside the gauss line of the magnet. Positions patient within the examining unit and monitors patient duration all phases of the examination. Provides hearing protection to patient. Programs technical factors for pulse sequences slice profiles, ect. Attaches appropriate MRI coil for selected anatomy. Utilizes immobilization devices, when necessary for procedure. Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Radiology Service policy. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards/risks, if any, are possible. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of patient registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system and completion of checklist and contrast / radiology notes in the CPRS package. Properly identifies patient and patient's images. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 93069-0 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. 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. 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 5, 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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 : Experience or Education. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 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. This specialty modality Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) 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. This specialty modality Computed Tomography (CT) requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate ALL the following 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. Physical Requirements: Work requires walking, pushing, and lifting of patients and their respective transporting devices, patient's records and MRI scans and inputting data into the VISTA computer system as well as laundry and other stocking items needed. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done with the help of other employees and various lifting devices. Work requires technologist to be aware of all who enter the MRI room and what they have on or in them along with the type of monitoring equipment they may have (ex; O2 tank, IVAC pump). References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G25

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Your transcript must contain the name of the issuing institution, degree conferred, and degree conferral date.

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 Battle Creek VA Medical Center 5500 Armstrong Road Battle Creek, MI 49037 US
• Name: Carol Phillips
• Phone: 765-251-1129
• Email: [email protected]