The Birmingham VA, Diagnostic Imaging Service is seeking a full-time Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) for the VA Medical Center in Birmingham Alabama. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be December 11, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates until the position is filled. 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. 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 To meet the requirements for the GS-09 grade level Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist do you possess At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-08) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled.In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking 6 hours, Standing 8 hours, Specific visual requirement: Ability to read typewritten characters with or w/o glasses, Specific hearing requirements: Ability to hear conversational voice with or w/o hearing aid, Emotional and Mental Stability ["The MRI Technologist performs daily inspection and operate the MRI scanner under the direction of the Lead/MR Safety Officer (MRSO) Technologist or Chief Technologist of Radiology, the MRI Technologist works independently and performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging procedures. He/she will perform all diagnostic MRI exams (head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities), MRA's and MR guided procedures (biopsies). The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment will be delivered. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials, so the technologist is required to be able to establishes IV access and administers IV contrast. He/she will observe patient for signs and symptoms of adverse contrast reaction while initiating the appropriate response for varying levels of severity. The incumbent will discuss any exam that deviates from normal protocol set by the radiologist. The duties performed are almost exclusively hands-on technical duties. The incumbent will assure optimum patient care, quality control, and comply with departmental SOPs. The MRI Technologist will work with the Lead/MRSO technologist to ensuring effective screening, quality control, while keeping with MR safe practices. The incumbent must be able to follow written protocols and instructions of the radiologist. He/she will adhere to basic principles of radiofrequency and magnetic safety in order to protect the patient and the operating personnel. The incumbent must adhere to and be familiar with infection control policies and procedures to be followed on patients undergoing diagnostic studies on the MRI unit. Incumbent will be responsible for insuring proper cleaning and decontamination of the equipment as necessary. He/she is responsible for managing the patient flow throughout the MRI suite, ensuring efficiency or operations and limit patient wait time. Incumbent must be on-call and must be available to perform emergency procedures that require use of MRI scan examinations. Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday, 12:30pm - 9:00pm, with rotating holiday and some on-call coverage for night and weekend Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS338 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
