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Form of workThis Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR), position is assigned to Diagnostic Imaging at Madison, WI VHA. The MRI Technologist 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 and carries out the assigned tasks independently.
*One Vacancy OpenQualifications: 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.
The qualifications needed for this position is for the following grade levels:
- GS-0647-06
- GS-0647-07
- GS-0647-08
- GS-0647-09
- GS-0647-10
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: As a basic requirement, have you completed a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school Diagnostic Radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and certification by the ARRT in MRI (Documentation must be provided).
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
GS-6 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-5) grade level? Experience includes performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature; explaining exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards; troubleshooting equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment; reporting major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives, and assisting higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations. And In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure; Knowledge of anatomy and positioning; Knowledge of all patient safety procedures; Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment; Ability to learn basic computer functions?
GS- 7 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-6) grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level? Experience includes performing a substantially full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. And In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system; Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study; Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam. limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard or fluoroscopic procedures; Knowledge of the function of computed radiography, Phosphor cassettes and CR readers; Knowledge of PACS, and basic computer skills?
GS-8 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-7) grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level? Experience includes providing services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. And In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed; Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest?
GS-09 Level: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-08 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. 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. In addition, 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.
GS-10 Level: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. 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.]In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy can be:
GS-06
GS-07
GS-08
GS-09
GS-10
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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Employment Type: FULL_TIME
