Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR) – Recruitment Incentive

Tyler, Texas, Texas, The Primary Purpose of the Position is: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR), organizationally referred to as the Magnetic Resonance Imager operates diagnostic MRI scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two/three dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions. The employee operates the super conductive Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI), a highly complex computerized imaging device. 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U. S. C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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).

(TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. 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. (PROVIDE A COPY OF CERTIFICATIONS) 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. Grade Determinations: GS 09: (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. (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. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and 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.

Preferred Experience: Customer Service Ability to work independently and as a team MRI experience for three years Knowledge of healthcare systems Knowledge of a PACS systems References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1 – 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13″ to 16″; Hearing (aid permitted). [“A Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until October 6, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 31, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until October 6, 2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply. Duties include but not limited to the following: The incumbent is required to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

The technologist will be responsible for clinical, research and educational duties. He/she will be involved in all aspects of MRI/MRS including: (1) performance of clinical diagnostic MRI examinations, (2) performance of spectroscopic scope and imaging research, including active participation in the design and evaluation of new spectroscopic and imaging methods, (3) training of MRI/MRS principles and procedures to staff and visiting technologists from other Veteran Affairs Centers. While working in each area of Radiology Service, the employee will participate in all aspects of the mission of the medical center, including clinical service, education and research, as needed. The employee will also assist the management team with the collection of statistical data needed to monitor and improve the clinical service. The incumbent is required to perform in all aspects of MRI. He/She will function as an expert regarding the software and hardware capabilities in performance of the instrument, advise the radiologist on what pulse sequences are available, and what selection of acquisitions parameters are necessary to produce optimum images and generate efficiency in the data collection. Maintains a log book of protocols in data collection. Maintains a log book of protocols for frequently performed types of examinations, including positioning, acquisitions parameters, and orientation of slices. Recommends improvement in the protocol to the radiologist and confers with the radiologist to keep this book up to date. Positions the patient according to the examination required and the patient’s body parts.

Chooses the most effective coil for optimization of signals, and positions coils correctly to prevent radio frequency coupling and burns. Applies cardiac electrodes, moving the leads as necessary to optimize ECG tracing. In the case of unusual examinations, or in cases where unusual sequences would be ineffective, confers with radiologist and makes recommendations regarding modifications in protocol, and adding additional exams. Determines the resonant frequency, tunes and matches the coils, adjusting coils capacitors, optimizes radio frequency pulse power, and select to time, number of acquisitions, matrix size, and all other instrument parameters. Serves as liaison between the radiologist and maintenance engineer in facilitation software and hardware upgrades, services and repair. In MRI, advises maintenance engineer of construction of new coils and hardware. Notifies support staff of abnormal system functions or crynogen levels. Performs test of quality controls as required, including daily phantom and normalization bar scanning to measure the efficiency of the scanner detectors, apertures and localization gradients to establish, perform and maintain quality assurance program of MRI instruments, as well as monitoring status of Picture Archive Communications System. Transmits images to PACS, duplicate images to hard copies when requested, and operates dry laser imagers as required. Archives studies and keeps records of examinations imaged and archived.

Performs region of interest and relaxation time analysis from data and calculates special images, such as phase or subtraction images when needed. Reviews new development in the field of MRI/MRS and recommends to the radiologist those developments which would augment operation of the center. The incumbent maintains MRI suites in a clean and sanitary condition. Maintains supplies, reorders supply when necessary and determines the need for new or different supplies. Maintains appropriate paperwork for any contractual obligations and sharing agreements. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm. Some local area travel to other VA facilities required for training purposes. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Recruitment Incentive: May be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required”]

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