Diagnostic Radiologic Technician (Mri)

The Temple, Texas VA Medical Center is looking for a highly qualified Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. The technologist is required to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, including magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and, if necessary, magnetic resonance spectroscopy during the day or evening shift.

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).

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 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 (*):

• *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.

Preferred Experience:

• Licensed and accredited through ARRT certified in MRI
• One or more years' experience in MRI
• Proficient in attaining IV access for contrast administration

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.
Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1 - 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted).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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Employment Type: FULL_TIME