The DRT MRI performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Angiography Imaging (MRI/MRA) of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. 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) AND Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI). 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) NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. Physical Requirements. A physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position, VA Directive and Handbook 5109 English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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).All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:(1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.(2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.(3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.(4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.(5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-09 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 with experience in work that has been performed independently, or under minimal general supervision, and includes experience in knowledge of superconducting magnets, physics of superconducting and how they related to human anatomy in medical imaging; knowledge of safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter; have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of human body; and have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. Demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G25The full performance level of this vacancy is 9. Physical Requirements: This position involves standing, bending, positioning patients, and moving MRI equipment and supplies. ["Major duties include, but are not limited to: Performs exams in a manner to optimize all of the radiographic equipment including the MRI scanner times while maintaining a flexibility to allow for emergency cases. Prepares contrast materials that are used in MRI and general exams. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Insert IV needles for administration of contrast material if work shift necessitates. Sends images to the PACs system for image interpretation. Daily requisition and editing of patient exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS), copying of films, etc. Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Radiology Service policy. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Screens for previous contrast media reactions and/or contraindications to contrast media. Performs MR angiography of the Head and Neck. These studies require reconstruction of images post image acquisition. Work Schedule: Monday Through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Telework: Not eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified individuals Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
