This position is in the Radiology Department at the Perry Hill, Montgomery, AL and is directly supervised by Radiology Supervisor. Incumbent performs technical work in support of Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI), Computed Axial Tomography (CAT or CT scan), or Diagnostic Radiography (DRT) under the direction of a physician.

Duties

The technologist operates a super conductive MRI, a highly complex computerized imaging device which employs the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to acquire diagnostic images. Secondary equipment assigned is at least 50% of duties, is a CT scan, a highly complex computerized imaging device-or diagnostic radiology procedures. Incumbent supports radiologists or other medical officers to produce diagnostic imaging studies used to diagnose medical conditions. Routine examinations include but are not limited to imaging studies of the skull/brain, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, spine, extremities and soft tissue studies, contrast studies of the digestive system, lower extremity circulatory system, spinal canal, joints and other internal organs and systems. The technologist will also utilize their skills as a DRT to perform routine and urgent care X-Ray studies. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Computerized Tomography (CT) Examinations (50%): The incumbent works independently in performing CT examinations, confers with radiologists only to establish the requirements of nonstandard examinations, and determines technical requirements of the CT examination. The Technologist independently reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested. If a discrepancy exists, the Technologist will make an independent determination and take the appropriate corrective action. The Technologist verifies the patient's identity following VHA directives and policies. The Technologist will determine what views and technique to use based on this information for maximum diagnostic effectiveness. If the diagnostic goal is not met initially, the Technologist will make an independent decision to take addition views or alter the technique to achieve the goal, keeping in mind the ALARA principles, before the patient leaves the department. The Technologist reviews the patient's lab results in VISTA/ CPRS prior to performing the exam to verify that the patient can safely receive IV contrast. If the Technologist determines that the patient is at risk for an allergic reaction, or if the patient's renal function is impaired, the Technologist will closely consult with the Radiologist and/or Clinician to determine the best course of action. The Technologist must use a wide variety of computerized equipment specific to CT, as well as be proficient with the use of power injector systems, patient monitoring devices, colon insufflators, 3D workstations and the PACS, IMP AX computer viewing station software. The Technologist maintains the CT area with proper medical and Emergency supplies needed for optimal patient care, safety and efficiency. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Examinations (50%): The MRI Technologist is responsible for the safety of the patient entering the magnet room (Zone IV), and for the safety of the personnel, visitors and ancillary staff in the MRI area (Zones III and IV). The Technologist independently reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested. In addition, the MRI Technologist will determine which protocol and sequences will be scanned based on the patient's clinical history and diagnosis. The MRI Technologist must continually monitor the patient, and have regular communication with them to reassure them, and to keep them informed of the progress of the exam and provide them with any special instructions. The Technologist must continually check each sequence after completion for patient motion, field of view, and for the desired clinical information. The Technologist reviews the exam as it is being performed, and again prior to completion to be sure the clinical goals have been achieved. The MRI technologist performs daily pre-procedure quality control on the scanner. The Technologist interprets this information to determine if the scanner is within diagnostic specification. If needed, the Technologist will take corrective action, and redo the calibration to bring the scanner values to acceptable levels. The Technologist maintains the MRI area with proper medical and emergency supplies needed for optimal patient care, safety, and efficiency. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm (Subject to change based on agency needs.) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #: 619-076 EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more? Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not available Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not available 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: 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. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), interventional radiologic technology (IR), quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates must meet the following grade requirements. Creditable Experience: (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. (2) 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. i. Knowledge of safety requirements for physical space pertaining to MR imaging area. ii. Ability to establish and monitor access and safety requirements for the physical zones. iii. Ability to develop and ensure that adequate written safety procedures, work instructions, emergency procedures, and operating instructions are issued and enforced. iv. Knowledge of hazards posed by magnetic fields on implants, medical devices, hospital equipment and retained foreign bodies, and the development of measures taken against those hazards. v. Ability to train medical, technical, nursing and all other relevant staff groups (including ancillary workers) in all procedural aspects related to MR safety. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: The individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, standing up to 6 hours, wearing PPE (Lead Apron) up to 6 hours, bending, transferring. stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, or pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other. Movement of moderately heavy equipment is generally power assisted such as portable machines. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of other employees and devices. Must also be able to speak, see and hear. A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy.

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

Contacts

• Address Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Montgomery 215 Perry Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36109 US
• Name: Sherrita Hamilton
• Phone: 205-702-1479
• Email: [email protected]