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Employees at this level are fully functional as advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently at a level including special and complex procedures beyond the full performance level. Performs routine Magnetic Resonance Imaging procedures of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, upper and lower extremities. The work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. 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]. 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).] Grandfathering Provision: 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). English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Grade Determinations: To qualify for the GS-6 grade level, you must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level OR the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Examples of experience includes, but is not limited, to the following: operating and monitoring commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision; functioning somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity; and, referring to supervisor for deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. Ability to learn basic computer functions. To qualify for the GS-7 grade level, you must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; OR the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; OP successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. Examples of experience include, but is not limited, to the following: serving as developmental DRTs, performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature; explaining exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards; troubleshooting equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment; and, reporting major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. To qualify for the GS-8 grade level, you must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Examples of experience include, but is not limited, to the following: performing a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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. To qualify for the GS-9 grade level, you must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Examples of experience include, but is not limited, to the following: performing a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following 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. Preferred Experience: Ranges from recent graduate of an ARRT recognized BS/MIT program and up to 3 years plus experience as a MRI Technologist. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-9 Physical Requirements: Heavy carrying (45lbs and over), straight pulling, pushing (above 4 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking and standing (8 hours), kneeling and repeated bending (2 hours), both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, both eyes required. ["Examinations include, but are not limited to, MRI examinations of the head and neck chest (including heart), abdomen, pelvis, upper and lower extremities. Prepares Magnet for daily operation, brings system up, and checks all self-calibrating parameters and quality control checks. Cleans and prepares equipment surfaces in accordance with established infection control guidelines and equipment manufacture instructions. Performs routine archiving status checks and deletes data according to established guidelines. Reviews patient safety and screening history form. In addition, interviews patients for potential ferrous objects, implants, or work-related metallic injuries. Alleviates patient anxiety by informing the patient about what the MRI examination entails and what the patient can expect. Coordinates with radiologist for the appropriate protocol for each exam prior to scanning the patient. Constantly monitors all equipment brought into the MRI environment to ensure it is MRI safe or MRI conditional. Positions patient within the MRI unit and monitors patient during all phases of the examination through direct observation and video surveillance monitoring. Provides single and sometimes double hearing protection to patients including sound system headphones when appropriate. Positions ECG electrodes when necessary for ECG or PPG gating and or physiological monitoring. Prepares IV Contrast material as necessary examinations and injects contrast per guidelines. Performs quality assurance activities based on departmental established guidelines. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm. Requires on-call rotations throughout the year and one on-call holiday. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Diagnostic Radiology Technologist - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)/PD000000Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required This is also open to current permanent Richard L. Roudebush VA employees or current VA employees only under, CBSR-12092004-23-NH. Please apply to both if would like to be considered for both."]

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