Government and Policy, Healthcare, Other, Healthcare, Practitioner and Technician
Job Description
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)
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
English Language Proficiency
DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)
Certification
All applicants for this role must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology for the categories listed below
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
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).] 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
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)
Please see more details in the "Required Documents" section
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
DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: 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: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes
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
Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment
Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.] Creditable Experience Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice
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
Quality of Experience
Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above
Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
Part-Time Experience
Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek
For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work
Specialized Assignments
Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), [ ] magnetic resonance imaging (MR), [ ] [interventional radiologic technology (IR)], quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor.] General Radiologic Technology (R)
DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body
They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations
All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS)
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.] Computed Tomography (CT)
This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations
The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination
to interpret the examination request accurately
to understand the functioning and inter[1]relationship of the various organs
to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician
[DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10, which is the actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy.
