Employees at this grade level are to be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology listed above, general radiology, and MRI. The incumbent performs technical work in support of Diagnostic Radiology, MRI under the direction of a Radiologist/physician. The incumbent will be registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in radiography and in MRI 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. 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.] Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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). Grade Determinations:GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist 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. 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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 (*): Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. 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.] References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting & carrying (15-44 lbs); Straight pulling and pushing (Up to 7 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking and standing (Up to 7 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision 20/50 and 20/100; Emotional/mental stability. *** This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file until September 29, 2023.** ["The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-MRI operates various types of radiography equipment, both fixed and mobile units, including digital and cassette acquired images as part of the diagnostic imaging plan for patients. Routine examinations include but are not limited to radiographs of the skull, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, spine, extremities and soft tissue studies; contrast studies of the digestive system, lower extremity venous system, joints and other internal organs and systems. Major duties include but not limited to: Takes images in three cross-sectional planes to include axial, coronal, and sagittal. On a daily basis, activates the proper MRI software programs, data processing, archival, and data transfer systems. Modifies coil selection, field of view, pixel size, and number of averages, to affects the image signal to noise ratio as needed and confers with the system engineers regarding software integration and adjustments of the operation of MRI and the patient monitoring equipment. Obtains optimum imaging with regards to patients' pathology, takes additional images to fully illustrate any abnormalities. Corrects for motion artifacts and repeats or alters exams accordingly. Injects contrast material per Radiologist direction for MRI exams as required and advises Radiologist of those examinations which require immediate attention while the patient is still undergoing the examination. Interacts with patients, explains exam procedures, positions patients within the MRI scanner, and monitors patients during all phases of the examination. When operating the MRI, coordinates with Radiologist to determine the most ideal parameters and technical factors of the magnet for each individualized patient examination. Monitors the examination by checking computations, performances and results of the selected parameters, to obtain the best diagnostic computer data and images. Explains procedures and positions to patients for desired results, and cushion and shield patients as appropriate, uses left and right markers to correctly identify body parts. Prepares and administers contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist per protocol. Maintains electronic records and files of patient exams and performs clerical and file room duties related to patient care. Uses established business rules to enter administrative notes in the system, including clinic visits, IV removals and reports supply shortages to supervisor, as well as equipment failure. Work Schedule: The candidate should expect to be placed on any but not limited to the of the following tours of duty: Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday 3:30pm to 12:00am Monday through Tuesday 11:30pm to 8:00am and Saturday through Sunday 8:00am through 8:30pm Thursday through Friday 8:30pm to 8:00am and Saturday through Sunday 8:00pm to 8:30am Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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