Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

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
• 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: 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 2 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)
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirement for employment - the following criteria must be met to qualify for this specific grade level
• GS-09: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI Experience: You must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the GS-08 grade level
• Examples of this includes - but is not limited to: checking system for operation and assess acceptable performance - calibrating parameters and make necessary adjustments - monitoring patients' physiologic changes during procedures - identifying unusual images and discussing with radiologist - and understanding patients' diagnoses and laboratory results KSAs: 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 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-09
• Physical Requirements: Refer to VA Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Duties include but are not limited to: Interprets requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinicians Performs a spectrum of simple and advanced MRI exams following prescribed protocols required to perform procedures of the: Brain - Abdominal - Cardiac - MSK - Breast - Extremity - Urological - interventional planning and procedures with and without the use of contrast materials as directed by the radiologist
• Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events
• Reconciles the patient's current medications then prepares and administers contrast material - and medication under the direction of the radiologist
• Operates all MRI equipment - a variety of super conductive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners - highly complex computerized imaging device which employs the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to acquire images
• Positively identify each patient by asking for two (2) forms of identification not limited to - full name - full social security number - or date ofbirth
• Properly selects patient's information from the HIS/RIS list on the workstations and verifies the patient information prior to the start of the imaging exam
• Transfer patients from their stretcher/wheelchair to an MRI safe stretcher/wheelchair to the Magnet's imaging table
• Perform adequate MRI safety screening - explain the exam procedure - choses the best imaging coil for the part of the patient's body being scanned
• Program technical factors by interrogating computer console and responding with inputs that will result in the required parameters as determined by the Radiologist or Physicist Ensures all anatomy is visible - correct R & L markers are visible - annotations are made - correct orientation of the image - applies algorithm - before transmitting the image to the PACS
• Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat - pre-op - urgent and routine exams
• Case edit exams in a timely manner - and record any comments - contrast media - time out procedures or any variations from protocol in both Vista and Isite
• Prepare the sterile procedure tray - sterile supplies - power injector - pressure bags - and all necessary ancillary equipment Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 1:00pm-9:30pm - mandatory on-call rotation covering after hours and federal holidays
• Telework: Not Available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 50675F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
• EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized