Career Center

Employees at this level perform all magnetic resonance imaging procedures including routine and advanced procedures such as MRA, prostate, breast and cardiac procedures. Knowledge of basic MR physics including concepts of energy, RF, magnetic fields, and properties of magnetic fields. Position, (operator) of the super conductive magnetic resonance imager (MRI), a highly complex computerized imaging device which employs the use of strong magnetic field and radio wave to acquire image. 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: 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 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. Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. Grandfathering Provision. 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 (1) Experience. At 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 level. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT (2) Assignments. For 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 time. Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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 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, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. ii. Ability 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 exposures. iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. iv. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). 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.] ["Employees at this level are fully functional as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. MRI Technologists at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures. Regardless of the nature, the MRI Technologist is responsible for independently operating a super conductive magnetic resonance imager. Employees at this level perform all magnetic resonance imaging procedures including routine and advanced procedures such as MRA and cardiac procedures, under the supervision of a more senior radiologic technologist. Employee has a responsibility to recognize and exhibit good safety practices; to comply with published and communicated safety procedures; to immediately report observed safety infractions and unsafe working conditions; and to report in a timely fashion work related illnesses and injuries. Develops new techniques, defines optimal protocols, and devises alternative ways to visualize pathology with the patient. Evaluates new system(s) and compares them with existing methodologies. Interacts with physician, scientists, physicist, computer programmers, manufacturers, and technical design engineers on a recurring basis in the performance of daily assignments. Some duties may include, but are not limited to: Maintains the cleanliness of his/her assigned work area, maintains necessary supplies in the work area. Reports all inventory shortages and safety concerns to the supervisor, as well as any equipment failure. In the absence of the supervisor, the technologist is prepared to contact Biomedical Engineering or the service vendor to arrange for service and provide detailed description of the problems occurring. Reports and is trained to recognize and exhibit exemplary MR safety practices; to comply with published and communicated safety procedures; to immediately report observed infractions and unsafe working conditions; and to report in a timely fashion work related illnesses and injuries. Observes patient safety guidelines as set forth in department and Medical Center policies and procedures. Actively seeks out work when assigned tasks are finished. Proactively identified administrative, clinical, or mechanical problems, and defines solutions thereof. Treats patients and visitors with courtesy and respect. Performs all assigned duties in the MR department on multiple scanners. Is thoroughly familiar with all safety and general acquisition protocols Open MR, 1.5 and 3T MR with no supervision during irregular hours to insure adequate patient examinations. Advises the Radiologist of those examinations with require immediate attention while the patient is still undergoing the examination. Administers contrast material agents. Practices sterile technique to prevent contamination. Accurately and routinely performs the associated VISTA and PACS imaging network responsibilities that relate to a patient examination and the patient's record. Checks all equipment and reports failures to the Lead MR tech or Chief Imaging technologist. Trained in contamination containment and isolation techniques to protect himself/herself and other as well as the MRI sections from contamination. Stocks his/her work area with needles, syringes, gauze, local anesthetics. Maintains and stocks all supplies used in his/her work area. Interacts with patients, explains exam procedures, positions patients within the MRI scanner, monitors patients during all phases of examination, and records all patient exam information for permanent record. Responsible for screening all MR patients and checking implanted devices if necessary, for clearance. When operating MRI, coordinates with the MR Radiologist to determine the most ideal parameters for each individualized patient examination. Demonstrate full competency in developing protocols and completing the following MR exams on multiple magnet strengths."]

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