Summary

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI). The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) will function in Imaging Service. The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information - refer to Required Documents below.

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 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)
• 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: GS-9: Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• i.e. - experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics needed to provide diagnostic radiologic technology services at that level which include: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• In addition to the experience listed above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA's: 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
• Preferred Experience: Current MRI Experience: currently scanning as a full time technologist 5 yrs or more Advanced Imaging: Cardiac - Breast - Prostate - Elastography - Perfusion - MR Angiography - and Spectroscopy The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-0647-9
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-0647-9 Physical Requirements: Work requires walking - pushing - and lifting of patients and their respective transporting
• devices - patient's records and MRI scans and inputting data into the VISTA computer system as well as laundry and other stocking items needed
• Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done with the help of other employees and various lifting devices
• Work requires technologist to be aware of all who enter the MRI room and what they have on or in them along with the type of monitoring equipment they may have (ex
• O2 tank - IVAC pump)
• Incumbent must pass pre-employment physical and designated drug testing.

Duties

• 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
• Duties include but are not limited to: Schedule exams in a manner that optimizes all of the MRI equipment capabilities while maintaining the flexibility to allow for emergency cases
• This requires prioritizing scheduled patients while also accommodating the extreme emergent patient who may need immediate attention Determine best scanning parameters to optimize imaging technique
• Coordinate with the Radiologist and Physicist to determine ideal parameters to pulse the magnet for each individualized patient procedure Position patient within the examining unit - monitor patient during all phases of the MRI examination and remove patient from the magnetic field upon completion of the acquisitions Start IV's and administer MRI contrast to patients requiring such monitoring for allergic reactions Work with Anesthesia personnel to assure proper assessment of sedated patients which involves starting the IV - positioning of monitoring equipment and post MRI procedures Coordinate with Anesthesia - MRI and patient to determine appropriate time to sedate or anesthetize patients for MRI if they are claustrophobic Monitor MRI examinations by checking computations - performance and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic data and images
• Performs clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer Use PACS system for transmission of images to the Radiologist Maintain records/files of exams performed on patients
• This includes editing of patient exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS)
• Properly identify patient through the RIS interface identifier and assures the marking of proper laterality
• The technologist must be certain that the patient's information and request are identical by check with the patient
• Assure MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Imaging Service policy
• Explain exams to competent patients so the patient understands what is to be done Continually reviews new developments in MRI
• The DRT/MRI improves quality of MRI examinations by utilizing new techniques that are available Assist physicians/employees in the development and execution of research protocols and maintains records as necessary Train new employees in accordance with established procedures and practices in compliance with ACR guidelines
• Instruct employees in specific tasks and job techniques and makes available written instructions - reference materials and supplies
• Employ proper use of hospital computers for patient reference and information
• Troubleshoot computer problems and reports them to the VA IT helpdesk Check on work in progress or spot check work not requiring review
• Review completed work to see that the Supervisor or staff Radiologist's instructions on work sequence procedures methods and deadlines have been met Establish interdepartmental partnership with vascular department in the procurement of vascular studies including abdominal and runoff exams Perform daily quality assurance tests
• Archive MRI images and exports them for permanent storage
• Monitor performance of MRI and ancillary equipment Assist in the calibration and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions in all equipment associated with the MRI unit Perform safety checks on patients - employees and visitors to comply with the Medical Center - OIG - VISN and ACR safety standards regarding ferrous objects - cardiac pacemakers - etc
• to those persons entering the environment of the 5 gauss magnetic field
• Observe and make recommendations to the supervisor regarding working conditions such as seating - ventilation - lighting - and safety Assist in preparation of procedure manuals and assist in devising and modifying procedures Participate in lectures/demonstrations relating to the technical and clinical operation of an MRI facility Work Schedule: Full-time - 2nd Shift (3:00-p.m
• - 11:30 p.m.) Rotating on-call duties Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized