Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Mri

Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
This job is open to

• The public
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Videos
Duties
VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM
Total-Rewards-of-a- DRT.pdf
The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) primarily performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography Imaging (MRA) of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body with the use of GE 1.5T and 3T scanners. They conduct complex MRI and MRA studies, including extremity run-offs, in-depth Cardiac studies, and Breast MRI, providing images of the head, neck, spine, chest and body.
Assigned Duties and responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to the following:

• Performs exams in a manner so as to optimize all of the radiographic equipment including the MRI scanner times while maintaining a flexibility to allow for emergency cases.
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams.
• Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of MRI scanning.
• Schedules patients for examinations when needed in the Air Force Composite Health Care System (CHCS) and VA's VistA system.
• Notifies the radiologist of scans requiring their immediate attention.
• Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team.
• Assists and anticipates the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam.
• Instructs MRI practices, fundamentals, scanning abilities, IV usage and techniques to MRI trainees and new MRI personnel.
• Uses power injectors for dynamic studies and inserts IV needles for administration of contrast material.
• Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions.
• Practices the safety policies and procedures of the medical center, and participates in quality assurance activities.
• Makes safety the highest priority and conducts safety screening according to established department and career field policies.
• Sends images to the Picture Archival Communications System (PACS) for image interpretation for both Air Force and VA systems.
• Monitors PACS to ensure exam completeness after sending.
• Maintains logbook of exams performed on patients.
• Identifies patient by following NCHCS and Air Force Patient Identification Policy.
• Asks each patient to actively confirm his or her name and social security number.
• Explains exams to patients.
• Counsels patient on contrast injection process, verifies patient lab values are safe prior to injection.
• Stocks and inventories of all MRI related imaging supplies and materials.
• Cleans and disinfects the scanner room, equipment and all accessories in accordance with Infection Control Standards.
• Reviews new developments in MRI imaging.
• Provides physicians and patients with the best possible images and scans for diagnostic purposes.
• Assumes various rotating schedules as determined by the Chief, Radiology Service. The rotation may include on-call coverage's, overtime, and alternate duty locations.
• Ensures crash cart checks at beginning of shift.
• Must be or able to become proficient and perform MRI and MR angiography; including extremity run-offs, in-depth Cardiac studies, and Breast MRI. These studies require the use of power injectors and reconstruction of images post image acquisition. Once trained and proficient the incumbent will train others.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00724-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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
A. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
B. English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)
C. Certification Requirement: 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
D. Education Requirement: 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).
E. 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.
F. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements.
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10
Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-9, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

• Quality of Experience. 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. 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

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical 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.

G. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, dated December 13, 2019, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards, GS-0647.
H. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 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.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

• Benefits
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  Review our benefits
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers ...