Summary

The Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center in Long Beach - CA is looking for one (1) Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI).

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:

• 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).] 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-10: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
• 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 described at that level
• Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures
• At this grade level - any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity
• Such assignments are unique - perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology - Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations - and intermediate QM type duties within the program
• 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.] 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)
• Preferred Experience: Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy - physiology - gross pathology - medical terminology - and radiologic patient positioning
• Demonstrates competency and proficiency in all MRI examinations and proficiency in the use of MRI equipment and accessories
• Able to explain procedures to patient in a manner that will gain cooperation and understanding to reduce anxiety
• Transfer patient to MRI scan table by utilizing safe patient handling techniques
• Must be able to work independently in performing and determining technical factors - positioning - scanning parameter selections - slice thickness - protocol adjustment - etc. - to produce high quality MR images
• Prepares and administers contrast media - under the direction of the radiologist
• Follows prescribing protocols according to requested exam - contrast type - body weight - pathology and according to policy
• Follows Infection Control practices during IV insertions - maintains competencies in obtaining IV access - and contrast administration
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10
• Physical Requirements: Physical demands are usually moderate: Lifting objects up to 40 pounds - moving specialized equipment and assisting patients from gurney or wheelchair to a procedure or scan table
• Occasionally - the technician assists with moving large patients - but this is done with the assistance of other personnel - or the use of patient lifts - or other safe patient handling equipment to minimize danger to employee and the patient.

Duties

• This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 2 - 2025
• Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available
• The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be June 16 - 2025 - with subsequent cut-off dates for referral on the 1st and 15th of each month
• Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf https://vacareers.va.gov/employment-benefits/ Major duties included but not limited to: Follows MRI safety precautions using designated zones to protect patients - visitors - and staff
• The incumbent works at VA Long Beach Healthcare System (VALBHCS)
• Strictly practices MRI safety measures using designated MRI Zones and proper MRI safety questionnaire to protect patients - visitors - and staff
• Performs quality management/quality assurance on the MRI imaging equipment and non-imaging equipment to monitor and control image quality issues
• Records and maintains quality assurance testing for reference used by Field Engineer - Biomed - or Physicist
• Identify equipment problems - initiates work orders for repairs and reports unsafe or failing equipment in a timely manner
• Participates in training MRI students so that they acquire an understanding of the principals of MRI safety - proper positioning - scanning parameter selection - protocol building or adjustments - and its relationship on how MRI images are acquired and generated
• Provide clinical instruction to MRI students from affiliated programs and facilitates the attainment of established program objectives
• Assign a scanning workplan to students on techniques - procedures - equipment use - proper patient care - MRI safety and screening process - etc
• Instructs and evaluates students while performing the full range of MRI duties
• oversees the students as he/she performs examinations - proving immediate assistance or guidance
• Assess student's performance and provide a clinical evaluation to the supervisor
• Incumbent must be able to perform secondary function as DRT (X-ray Technologist) during major emergency disaster when staff support is needed - and additional duties as required
• Basic knowledge and operations of specialized MRI ancillary equipment - such as the patient monitor - pulse oximeter - ECG - infusion pumps - oxygen/ventilator equipment to ensure appropriate functionality while being exposed to the radiofrequency
• Ability to recognize patient's and physiologic changes during the procedure and report complications and unusual events to the radiologist or patient's nurse immediately
• Completes mandatory continuing education requirements in a timely manner and within the provided due date
• Work Schedule: Tour of Duty will vary based on needs of the service
• Compressed/Flexible: Not available
• Telework: Not available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized