Operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all MRI examinations and procedures at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. These exams are performed without and with contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies for proper diagnosis and treatment to be effectuated. 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). Physical Requirements. See below and 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), and 7407(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). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, provisions may apply. GRADE REQUIREMENTS. Creditable Experience Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), interventional radiologic technology (IR), quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor. 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. GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-08 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a). Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-09 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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 (*): (a)*Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. (b)Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. (c)*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. (d) knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. (e)Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. (f)Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 December 13, 2019 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 9. Physical Requirements: Pre-placement physical examination to determine the physical, cognitive and emotional fitness of candidates for appointment in VA is required, and shall be completed prior to appointment, for all full-time, part-time and intermittent positions. ["Position is an operator of a super conductive magnetic resonance unit within the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and serves the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System as a multi-disciplined technologist with primary responsibilities for performing a full range of diagnostic radiological procedures including MR, MR angiography (MRA/MRV), myelograms, arthrograms, digital reconstruction of MR images, venography, operating room radiography, portable, interventional procedures, bone, chest, spine, extremities, abdominal, and fluoroscopic studies, as well as the following types of responsibilities but not limited to the below: Position patient within the examining unit, monitor patient during all phases of the examination, and remove patient from the influence of the magnetic field upon completion of the data acquisition. Receives requests from requesting physicians. Schedules patients. Adjusts patient examination priorities as needed to accommodate urgent, emergency, and maximum caseload in MRI. Accommodates and adjusts to the examination priorities as established by the concerned supervisor for all other radiologic cases. Prepares all necessary ancillary equipment needed for studies such as physiologic monitors, injectors, needles, and IV catheters. Prepares for administration of contrast media .Prepares and operates contrast injector. Independently performs standard examinations in all areas of expertise using radiographic study guidelines with radiologist clinical orders or protocols. Properly identifies patient by asking patient full name and full Social security number, asking patient for Identification card, and / or checking identification wristband. Receives patients, and explains procedure methods. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Positions patients for procedure and looks after needs of patient while undergoing examination. Coordinate with radiologist to determine the most ideal parameters to pulse the magnet for each individualized patient examination. Program technical factors by manipulating computer console and responding with inputs that will result in the parameters of pulse form, pulse sequence, slice profile, etc. as was determined in step two above. Monitor the examination by checking computations, performances and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer generated data and images. Repeat sequence when motion is detected. Properly maintains all necessary patient radiographic records including technical factors, logbooks, VISTA, Stentor, DHCP, core data, archive material documentation (tape or disc), film identification, and technologist identification. Perform and record clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer. Perform technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer, disc drivers, console, imaging devices, etc. Assist manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and trouble-shooting of malfunctions in all equipment associated with the MRI unit. Perform computer (protocol) programming with competency. Placement and insertion of intravenous lines for delivery of contrast media. Perform radiographs to assess presence of any metal object, etc prior to MRI studies if such object is suspected to be present. Establish and monitor quality control programs. Maintain operations log, maintenance and service reports. Maintain archive of images on optical disc and film file. Coordinate daily schedule and consult with other hospital physicians, clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to next day and future day's availability for patient examinations. Maintain inventory of lab, medical, and computer supplies and initiate procedures to replenish stock and to receive stock supplies. Perform or monitor safety checks on all patients, employees and visitors to comply with the FDA standards regarding ferrous objects, cardiac pacemakers, and any other contraindicating factor prior to those persons entering the environment of the five (5) gauss magnetic field. Assist in preparation of procedure manuals and assist in devising/modifying procedures as necessary. Assist physicians and other employees in the development and execution of research protocols and maintaining the records as necessary to validate the research or training project or funding grant. Assist and develop training programs for new MRI technologists, physicians in training, and general clinical employees. Participate in lectures and demonstrations relating to the technical and clinical operation of a MRI facility. Will perform all other radiographic duties as assigned by the supervisor in order to maintain service efficiency, including necessary ancillary testing. Work Schedule: Primarily M-F rotation of daylight shifts, weekend and evening on-call coverage, holiday on-call coverage Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results