This position is located within the Diagnostic Imaging service at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. This position will provide MRI Imaging for the Imaging Service. The incumbent will be responsible to perform examinations in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging suite. MRI is a highly complex computerized imaging device which employs the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to acquire images.

Duties

Monitor patient during all phases of the examination, removing the patient from the influence of the magnetic field upon completion of the data acquisition. Coordinate with the radiologist to determine the most ideal pulse sequences and other parameters necessary to accomplish a high quality examination. Program all technical factors by integrating computer console and choose the most effective coil for producing the correct signal. Record all computer data, scanning data, on film and or optical disc. Maintains all monitoring data pertinent to patient and equipment information and usage. Performs and maintains a monitoring system for quality assurance purposes and complies with FDA Safety Standards regarding ferrous objects and cardiac pacemakers prior to these persons entering the environment of the magnetic field. Assist manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions and all equipment associated with the MRI unit. Utilizing VISTA (Radiology Package) will schedule, register and status track all exams. Will ensure that all images are sent to VISTA/CPRS and PACS upon completion of examination. Reports all equipment problems to Supervisory Diagnostic Technologist/or Chief Technologist. Employee has a responsibility to recognize and exhibit good safety practices; to comply with published and communicate safety; procedures; to immediately report observed safety infractions and unsafe working conditions. Proactively identifies administrative, clinical or mechanical problems, and defines solutions thereof. Treats patients and visitors with courtesy and respect. Performs assigned duties with no supervision during irregular hours to insure adequate patient examinations. Advises the Radiologist of those examinations which require immediate attention while the patient is still undergoing the examination. Assists the radiologist in the administration of contrast material agents. Responsible for setting up and positioning patients, provides immobilization devices, selects proper technical factors on an individual patient basis and operates the equipment. Will evaluate new equipment and new methods will be compared with existing methods. Interacts with patients, explains exam procedures, positions patients within the scanner (MRI). Monitor the examination by checking computations, performances and results of the selected parameters, to obtain the best diagnostic computer data and images. Performs clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer and records the computer data on film, magnetic tape and printer plotter paper. Performs technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer, disk drives, console, imaging devices, etc. Maintains operations log, maintenance and service reports. Maintains files on patient, computer data, and technical parameters of each examination. Coordinates daily schedule and consults with hospital physicians, clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to the next day and future day's availability for patient examinations. Assists in preparation of manuals, and assists in devising modifying procedures as necessary. Work Schedule: 40 hours a week, days off are determined by the needs of the service. Four 10 hour shifts 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

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. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assignments. 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. 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. 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). Grade Determinations GS-9 Diagnostics Radiologic Technologist: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients GS-9 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. Creditable Experience: 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. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Carl T Hayden Veterans' Administration Medical Center 650 East Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85012 US
• Name: Sofia Zadorian
• Email: [email protected]