The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) position is within Imaging Service located at Audie L. Murphy VAMC in San Antonio, Texas.

Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to: Arranges exams in a manner so as to optimize all of the radiographic equipment including the MRI scanner times while maintaining a flexibility to allow for emergency cases. 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 MRI scanning. Notifies the Radiologist of scans requiring immediate attention. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Assists with and anticipates the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Continuously on the alert for the patient's condition (the alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc.). Prepares contrast materials that are used in MRI exams. Inserts IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Maintains awareness of and practices the safety policies and procedures of the medical center, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Uses the PACs system for retrieval of images to be printed to a laser camera. Loads and unloads laser camera. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Properly identifies patient through the RIS interface identifier and left/right markers. Ensures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Radiology Service policy. Explains exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Stocks and conducts inventory of all MRI general supplies and related material. Continually reviews new developments in MRI. Continually on the alert to improve quality of examinations utilizing the new technologies available. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Nights & Weekends; Possible TOD: Sat-Tue 8:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Tue-Fri 4:00 p.m.-midnight, and Sat 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sun 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mon-Thurs 4:00 p.m. - midnight Compressed/Flexible:Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. 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 other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). Grandfathering provision. 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). Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Grade Determinations: GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist 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. Experience in the specialty of Magnetic Resonance Imaging requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging; Educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter; Specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body; Specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged; Knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. 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 and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 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. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred Experience: Comfortable with General Electric (GE) MRI Scanner At least 1 year experience in hospital setting Experience with advanced studies such as cardiac, perfusion, and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0647 Veterans Health Administration December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Straight pulling (2 hours); Pushing (4 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (4 hours); Kneeling (2 hours); Repeated bending (2 hours); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near Vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Hearing without aid; Mental and emotional stability

Education

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

Accreditation Information: 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. Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) Accredited Educational Programs (jrcertaccreditation.org) or other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) DAPIP | Homepage (ed.gov).

Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

Note: If your school was accredited by Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the Accredited Educational Programs (jrcertaccreditation.org) website or Department of Education (DOE) DAPIP | Homepage (ed.gov) website you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Audie L Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard San Antonio, TX 78229 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]