The Hampton VA Medical Center is looking for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist to join the team! Technologist operates the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner in the Diagnostic Imaging Service in order to complete MRI examinations necessary for the diagnosis of medical conditions. MRI studies are patient-dependent and may utilize standard or nonstandard scan protocols or pulse sequences.

Duties

As a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI), you will be responsible for performing the following radiologic examination procedures using diagnostic equipment: Perform daily MRI/CT scanner start-up and shutdown, assist patient with proper positioning on scanner table, select and position appropriate coils on patient, and perform technical operation of scanner. Monitor scan parameters selected for each pulse sequence by continuously analyzing image data on MRI console to obtain high quality diagnostic images. Monitor each examination during scanning for artifacts, and in case of patient motion or other artifacts, repeat necessary sequences. Receive daily MRI/CT requests and obtain Radiologist approval and protocol requirements prior to performance of each study. For non-standard scan protocols, consult with Radiologist to determine appropriate protocol and pulse sequences for the examination and enter appropriate scan parameters into scanner console. Assist scheduling clerk as needed to schedule patients for examinations in person or by phone. Technologist must be familiar with benefits and risks of intravenous gadolinium contrast, including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) guidelines and risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). Monitors patients that have been medicated for claustrophobia or discomfort and observes for signs of potential complications. Assists the physician to treat and manage adverse contrast reactions. Assist the code team if necessary. Maintains proper patient care by checking IV catheters, monitors, and oxygen set-up throughout the patients' stay in the department as needed. Prior to each MRI examination, complete patient screening questionnaire by conducting patient interview to obtain relevant medical history, and scan questionnaire into electronic medical record. Monitor all patients, employees and visitors entering the MRI suite for compliance with all published MRI safety standards regarding ferrous objects and medical devices prior to entry into the environment of the scanner magnetic field. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Perform limited duties as a diagnostic radiologic technologist, as requested by supervisor, including performance of routine diagnostic radiographic studies. Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm, Rotational Weekend, Evening, & Holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] 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. Who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 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. (2) 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. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. b. Specialized Assignments. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). 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.] GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: (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: (a) [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: At least 3 years MRI experience, Cardiac MRI preferred but not required. References: VA Handbook 5005; Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard GS-647, Appendix G25 dated December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09 Physical Requirements: Position requires moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; light carrying, under 15 pounds; bending, stooping, and standing up to 6 hours a day. Requires long periods of standing, walking, and sitting Involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items such as cassettes. The use MRI scanners requires twisting, turning and repeated bending, lifting of coils, moderate carrying, reaching above shoulder, and ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. 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).

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 Hampton VA Medical Center 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton, VA 23667 US
• Name: Yasmin Glover
• Email: [email protected]