Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

SummaryThe Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) - position is assigned to the VA Roseburg Healthcare System - Roseburg 653 and Eugene 653BY Radiology Service - Magnetic Resonance Imaging section. The Technologist's primary duty is in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - where he/she operates an MRI scanner with an associated automatic injector system - and MRI Workstation.QualificationsApplicants 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 RequirementsUnited States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyCertification: 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 technologistEducation: 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) - 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 employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidatesAdvanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist.GS-10 ExperienceAt 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 levelAssignmentsFor 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 timeDRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: 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 proceduresAt this grade level - any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexitySuch 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 programThe 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 changesAbility 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 exposuresKnowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipmentKnowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studiesPreferred Experience: 2 years DRT - MRI - CT - X-Ray CertificationsTravel may be required to provide coverage - as neededReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.DutiesVA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional FUNCTIONS: The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs routine examinations which include - but are not limited to - MRI/CT examinations of the brain - thorax - abdomen - pelvis - spine - extremities - and soft tissue studiesAdditionally - contrast studies of the digestive system - lower extremity venous system - joints and other internal organs and systemsIndependently interpret requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers and carries out the requests made by physiciansExplains procedures - positions patients for desired results - and cushions and shields patients as appropriateTransfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to MRI/CT tablePrepares room - equipment and material needed for patient procedures Properly identifies the patient and body part to be imagedUse of two patient identifiers is essential so that mistaken identity does not occurThe technician must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identicalPrepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as ordered \"with contrast\" exams and for the purpose of performing oral exams of the GI tract for both MRI and CTIn the case of injected contrast media - a patient oral consent form must be obtainedThese procedures require the use of needles - syringes - power injector - and drinking cupsFollow prescribed protocols required to perform proceduresPatient labs must be checked prior to receiving IV contrast to ensure labs are within normal safe levels - labs result outside of normal levels must get approval for a radiologist and documented in patient's notes (Cerner) with the approving radiologist signing the noteObserves patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events (ePERs)Independently administers appropriate contrast media when ordered including starting I.Vfor injection when necessaryPerform computer work and required forms (safety/screening) associated with patient exams - credit of patient visits (case study) - complications or quality improvement activities of the Radiology DepartmentPerforms daily quality assurance checklist for MRI/CT scanner and record described values and findings on the checklistPass along necessary finding/values out of range to the Chief Technologist or Diagnostic Supervisor - and BiomedCheck and make minor adjustments to equipment such as setting wedges or changing adjustersMaximize patient throughput by maintaining contacts with volunteers - MSA - nursing personnelAlways maintain a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within their assigned work areasEnsuring MRI/CT/Xray department working environment in all exam rooms - control rooms - and the infection prevention steps are carried outProvide clinical instruction to student from affiliated programs and facilitates to comply with established program objectivesPractices radiation safety (ALARA) to reduce exposure to patient - staff - and selfThis is achieved using lead shields - lead-lined walls and dose modulation when neededThe technologist will assure compliance to radiation regulations wear film badgesWork Schedule: Varied Shifts - Monday - Friday Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experienceParental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a childChild Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 00000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized