Incumbent operates magnetic resonance unit within the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Service and performs daily inspection of magnets to ensure proper mechanical functionality. Incumbent may be asked to perform routine Quality Control testing. MRI technology is still evolving, and patient exams may utilize standard and nonstandard protocols. The operator will be involved in new techniques, defining optimal protocols, and devising alternative ways to visualize pathology within the patient.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Performs magnetic resonance imaging of the head and body including, but not limited to: brain, face, larynx, nasopharynx, neck, orbits, paranasal sinus, parotid glands, tongue and oropharynx, TMJ, chest, cardiac, cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbo-sacral spine, brachial plexus, abdomen, (adrenal, kidney, liver, pancreas, elastography, and PDFF), pelvis (bladder, prostate, scrotum, rectum), shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, hip, knee, and foot/ankle. Complex procedures including, but not limited to: MRA chest, abdomen, pelvis, aorta, carotid bifurcations, circle of willis, vertebral/basilar arteries, liver, renal, spinal canal, MRV superior sagittal sinus, MR iliac veins, MR spectroscopy, MRCP, runoffs, prostate, cardiac, breast, biopsies, defecography, and MRI research exams. Screens patients prior to the exam to determine if there are any contraindications to the procedure or to the patient being exposed to a magnetic field Monitors special equipment such as pulse oximeter, ECG, infusion pumps, oxygen equipment, and respirators Properly labels, secures, prepares IV contrast as necessary and injects patients with contrast media under supervision of a physician to enhance tissue, lesions, etc. Maintains good patient care by checking IV's, catheter, monitors and oxygen set-up throughout the patient's stay in the department. Follows established protocols and does not make permanent changes to established protocol unless directed by their supervisor or a Radiologist. Monitor the examination by checking computations, performances and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer-generated data and images Perform clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer. Performs image capture, retrieval, and archiving functions. Prepares magnet for daily operation, brings system up, checks all self calibrating parameters. Independently completes standard examinations. Advises radiologist of scan observations. Notifies radiologist of significant scans requiring immediate attention or real-time visualization. Directs and assists with training programs for new MRI technologists, physicians in training, and general clinical employees. An advanced ARRT certification is required for this assignment in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Work Schedule: M-F 8am to 4:30pm. This Position supports 24/7 operations throughout the calendar year. Work is typically performed on the day shift; however, candidate may be subject to overtime work, shift work, and/or work on rotating shifts to include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Subject to call back outside tour of duty. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) GS-0647-09 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

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 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 Grade Determinations: At least 1 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. Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-09 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions References: See VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-25. English Language Proficiency: Employee must be proficient in spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C 7402(d), and 7407(d) The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09 Physical Requirements: See VA directive and Handbook 5019. The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds or over; moderate carrying 15-45 pounds; pushing, pulling, and reaching above shoulders up to 4 hours; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, standing, and/or sitting; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid not permitted in Zone 4); and speed in working. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

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 Central Virginia VA Health Care System 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard Richmond, VA 23249 US
• Name: Jasmine German
• Email: [email protected]