This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) (MRI) position is assigned in the Eastern Colorado Healthcare System (ECHCS) to the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center (RMRVAMC) Imaging Service, in the MRI section, in Aurora, Colorado. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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 (DOE).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determination GS-9 DRT Experience. At least 1 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. Advanced DRT. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures. 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 the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *a. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures; b. Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers; *c. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure; d. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography; e. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions; and f. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Full Performance Level: the full performance level of this position is a GS-9. The grade to be hired is a GS-09 References: See VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G25 Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over), heavy carrying (45 lbs and over), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (up to 8 hours), standing (up to 8 hours), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted), vision (in at least one eye, glasses are permitted). ["The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and can carry out the assigned tasks independently. The employee performs patient care exams 99% of the time in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and 1% General Radiology or as needed. This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of super conducting 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 into. The practitioner must have specific 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 a specialized knowledge in the radiofrequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in Computerized/Digital Radiography (CR/DR) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). You must be able to carry out the duties below as well as other assigned duties: Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality utilizing the standardized amount of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. This includes but is not limited to 1.5T, 3T magnets and all other duties assigned. Knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination, and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases. Performs all aspects of MRI imaging of the spine, head, neck, chest, studies including but not limited to Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, and Extremities, utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Performs advanced level aspects of MRI imaging such as MR Breast, MR Cardiac, and MR Functional Neuro studies utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Performs MRI imaging of the peripheral and visceral vessels through MR Angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities. These MR angiographic studies include renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated equipment, such as pressure injectors and 3D Reconstruction Software. Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service procedure manual for guidelines on Administration of Contrast Media After-Hours, Guidelines for Power Injection of Contrast Media, Use of Gadolinium within the MRI Section and policy for use of Contrast Media. Technologist receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Thoroughly reviews the MRI orders screening information for accuracy, noting and researching all questionable information prior to contacting the patient or performing the exam. Inputs pertinent information into the designated computer systems and has knowledge to register, complete, cancel and edit exams. Assists in the performance of MRI guided breast biopsy utilizing sterile techniques as needed, if applicable. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays, knowledge of supplies and specific locations, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment. Responsible for minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Technologist uses word processing software to execute several office automations functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving email through Microsoft Outlook. They will also use the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) to access information in the Medical Center Computer System and the hospital Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) Systems for patient information storage. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7:30 am- 4:00 pm or 1:00 pm to 9:30 pm, duty hours based on agency needs Recruitment/ Relocation Incentive is authorized Financial Discloser 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.
