The incumbent performs the complete spectrum of general MRI imaging, which includes, but is not limited to, neck, extremities, chest, abdomen, brain, spine, orbits, vascular, upper and lower extremities, through experience gained from past work which includes applicable knowledge of MR cross sectional anatomy and computerized technical factors. 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. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) b. 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. c. 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). [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. (1) 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. (2) Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ? 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. (3) 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. d. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. e. 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). 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-11 (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory radiologic technologist, [PACS technologist, clinical program director], or an assistant chief radiologic technologist. (2) 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 2, Section D, Paragraph 5a, requires that applicants meet the following basic requirements. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. ["MAJOR DUTIES Performs the complete spectrum of general MRI imaging, which includes, but is not limited to, neck, extremities, chest, abdomen, brain, spine, orbits, vascular, upper and lower extremities, through experience gained from past work which includes applicable knowledge of MR cross sectional anatomy and computerized technical factors. Performs region of interest analysis from raw data and generates special images in coronal/sagittal/oblique planes, 3D reconstructions, and MIP's. Uses sterile techniques to acquire a venous site for injection of contrast with the pressure injector and observes the patient for possible adverse reactions and takes appropriate action if reaction occurs. Reviews patient's prior images to obtain additional information to localize organs and vessels examination. Selects the appropriate protocol and parameters necessary for the required procedure. Has complete knowledge of MRI safety to maintain safe environment. Performs contrast enhanced dynamic MRA for vascular studies which include proper knowledge of timing and bolus track application. Performs all cardiac, functional and stress MRI for visualization of cardiac output and ischemic heart disease. Can perform research MRI, MRA exams independently. Performs all MR power injector tasks that include bolus prep, timing, and proper saline, and track bolus. Has proficiency in spoken and written English. Has the ability to function independently with guidance and supervision from supervisor and radiologist. Uses a wide range of MRI imaging and physiology measuring devices on a daily basis. Must have knowledge of medical equipment that is attached to the patient when they are in the Radiology Service for their examination. Is responsible for assisting the physician/provider to monitor the patients' physical condition including vital sign, including patients receiving conscious sedation. Schedules patients for examination when needed, coordinates their arrival for the examination, prioritizes critical and emergency procedures and relays necessary preparations. Receives and explains to the patient the procedures necessary for the requested examination. Monitors the examination by checking the parameters used to obtain the best diagnostic data and images. Monitors patients who have been sedated and provides appropriate assistance. Maintains permanent records of patients, status tracks examinations in the computer. Performs technical operations and general technical maintenance of the MRI unit, disk drives, console, etc. Participates in the training of MRI students as required. Is responsible for reviewing new developments in the field and is responsible for continuing his or her own education. Should be able to perform daily QA should be able to check laboratory result necessary for contrast studies. Should have knowledge of MRI safety. Should be able to work weekend, holidays and on call after hours. Can operate the following MRI equipment: Siemens 1.5 Tesla Philips 1.5 Tesla Siemens 3 Tesla Medrad Power injector Invivo patient monitor Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 08:00am - 04:30pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): This occupation is being considered for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive (CSI). Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI. The amount of lump sum CSI is determined based on appointment date and may be pro-rated as determined by the end date of the CSI. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI."]

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