This position is located in North Battlefield OPC under Diagnostic Imaging Service. Incumbent will work at Hampton VAMC until NBVAOPC opens. Primary purpose is to performs diagnostic radiography and MRI exam procedures in order to achieve proper diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, technologist will be expected to be familiar with new developments in the field and to define optimal scan protocols and sequences for each study.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Perform daily MRI 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. Regularly review new developments in the field of MRI utilizing the latest technology and procedures available in order to obtain the best possible diagnostic study for each patient. Monitor scan parameters selected for each pulse sequence by continuously analyzing image data on MRI console to obtain high quality diagnostic images. Must be familiar with MRI appearance of normal anatomy and pathology to ensure that complete imaging of appropriate body part or area of abnormality is obtained for each study. Monitor each examination during scanning for artifacts, and in case of patient motion or other artifacts, repeat necessary sequences. Case-edit each study in Vista immediately after completion to facilitate timely exam interpretation and reporting. Transmit each study to Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) for interpretation and long-term storage and verify that each study is received by PACS. 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). Perform limited duties as a diagnostic radiologic technologist, as requested by supervisor, including performance of routine diagnostic radiographic studies. Operate radiographic equipment, including determination of technical factors, such as time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage; ensure correct exposure for selected body part; select and adjust technical factors for difficult examinations; and set up and operate accessory equipment. Perform other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, varying schedules available: 6:00-2:30 pm, 7- 3:30pm, or 8 -4:30 pm (may be required to work rotational weekends, evenings, & holidays). Final schedule to be determined during interview. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: N/A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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).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. 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). Specialty Assignment: 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 (MRI) certification. Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-8) level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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. 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. The candidate must demonstrate the experience above as well as the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1.*Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. 2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. 3.*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. 4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. 5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. 6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25, December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; 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.

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: Nerissa Mckinnie
• Phone: 706-434-9315
• Email: [email protected]