Summary

The Advanced Diagnostic Radiology Technologist (MRI) located at Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) - primarily performs urgent and emergent radiographic examinations. Receives patients - explains method of procedure - positions patients - selects and sets technical factors - sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required - and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedures.

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) - and7407(d)
• 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)
• (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description
• Certification
• All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT) (R)
• Advanced ARRT (MRI) certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT) - magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• 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
• (PROVIDE A COPY OF CERTIFICATIONS) Grade Determinations: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
• Employees in this position are trained to work in one or more advanced imaging modalities 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
• The candidate must demonstrate all the following technical KSAs: GS 10Experience: To meet the requirements for the GS-10 grade level Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist do you possess At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-09) which demonstrates the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
• 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 - such as MRI - and intermediate QC type duties within the program
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: a) Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• b) Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather 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
• Reference: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25
• 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: Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over - Reaching above shoulder - Use of fingers - Both hands required - Walking 6 hours - Standing 8 hours - Specific visual requirement: Ability to read typewritten characters with or w/o glasses - Specific hearing requirements: Ability to hear conversational voice with or w/o hearing aid - Emotional and Mental Stability
• In addition to the required ARRT (MRI) - ARRT (CT) certification is preferred.

Duties

• The duties and responsibilities of the Advanced DRT (MRI) include but are not limited to the following: Implements radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring and genetic changes
• Coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment - ingenuity and initiative to effectively diagnose patients by using a wide variety of complex imaging exams
• Possesses knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (such as CT - MRI - IR - US - Mammography) studies
• Maintains accurate records - as required by management for quality assurance and quality control purposes in respective modality
• Utilizes advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of specialized equipment to ensure accurate results
• Understands specific regulatory processes - VA standards regarding radiology quality assurance and other technical functions
• Possesses and applies knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
• Reviews medical records - interviews patients and communicates with onsite or offsite Radiologist(s) to determine medical appropriateness of requested examination
• Obtains other pertinent diagnostic examinations (CT - MRI - X-Rays - US - etc.) for the Radiologist which may be necessary for correlation between the performed exam and the clinical history
• Provides additional images - when deemed necessary to ensure adequate information for unexpected findings
• Advises Radiologist(s) of significant abnormalities that require their immediate attention and/or visualization while the patient is undergoing examination
• Identifies patient properly through the Radiology Information System (RIS) interface identifier
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur
• This is done by verifying with each patient verbally his or her full name - full SSN - and full date of birth
• Cleans and maintains equipment in the manner outlined in the Reusable Medical Equipment Policy and according to specific Standard Operating Procedures located in designated cleaning area and electronic files
• Maintains awareness and practice of the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participates in quality assurance activities as directed
• Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that outpatients and inpatient units understand proper preparations for exams in an effort to minimize delays
• disseminates preps either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation
• Explains examinations to be performed to patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood in order for an adequate imaging exam to be obtained for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of disorders
• All other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am
• to 4:30pm
• This position will also be required rotate to other Imaging locations when needed
• Work schedule subject to change based on agency needs
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 619-59495F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required