Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) serves as a fully qualified MRI technologist and designated Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO). The DRT performs a full range of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) examinations of the head - neck - spine - chest - abdomen - pelvis - and extremities. These examinations are performed with and without contrast materials - utilizing advanced imaging protocols to obtain high-quality diagnostic studies.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• a
• 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.) b
• 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
• c
• 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)
• d
• 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 Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-10 (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
• DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: (a) Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO)
• Employees who are qualified to work in the MRI modality (advanced certification) have expert specialization at this grade level
• The MRSO operates with full responsibility for training - developing - and directing the MR safety program
• Duties may include coordination of MR safety committee meetings - evaluation of hospital equipment to ensure MR safe operation - and oversight of employee and patient MR screening programs
• Coordinates training of hospital staff and ensures maintenance of educational documentation
• MRSO certification is highly desirable for this level of complexity
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i
• Knowledge of safety requirements for physical space pertaining to MR imaging area
• ii
• Ability to establish and monitor access and safety requirements for the physical zones
• iii
• Ability to develop and ensure that adequate written safety procedures - work instructions - emergency procedures - and operating instructions are issued and enforced
• iv
• Knowledge of hazards posed by magnetic fields on implants - medical devices - hospital equipment and retained foreign bodies - and the development of measures taken against those hazards
• v
• Ability to train medical - technical - nursing and all other relevant staff groups (including ancillary workers) in all procedural aspects related to MR safety
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) serves as a fully qualified MRI technologist and designated Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO)
• The DRT performs a full range of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) examinations of the head - neck - spine - chest - abdomen - pelvis - and extremities
• These examinations are performed with and without contrast materials - utilizing advanced imaging protocols to obtain high-quality diagnostic studies
• In the capacity of MRSO - the technologist is responsible for supporting the day-to-day implementation of the facility's MRI safety program - including patient and staff screening - oversight of MRI safety zones - and adherence to local and national MRI safety policies
• The incumbent ensures that safety protocols are followed throughout all MRI operations and collaborates closely with Radiology personnel to uphold a safe clinical environment for patients - staff - and visitors
• FUNCTIONS OR SCOPES OF PRACTICE
• Performs Advanced MRI Examinations Independently Independently performs routine to highly complex MRI examinations using superconducting magnet systems and advanced protocols - requiring expert knowledge of MRI physics and system operation
• Utilizes specialized understanding of radio-frequency coil selection - cross-sectional anatomy - pathology - and advanced imaging concepts to obtain diagnostically optimal images with minimal supervision
• Applies ALARA principles in all imaging - exercising advanced judgment when balancing image quality - patient condition - and safety requirements
• Collaborates directly with radiologists to plan and execute non-standard - modified - or highly specialized examinations - demonstrating independent decision-making consistent with GS-10 technical authority
• Serves as a designated Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO) - responsible for day-to-day oversight and operational execution of the MRI safety program
• Conducts and verifies all MRI safety screenings - including additional review of implants and devices requiring advanced interpretation of MR-conditional labeling and technical specifications
• Oversees adherence to MRI Zone access protocols - ensuring safe movement of patients - staff - and equipment
• intervenes in unsafe situations with full authority delegated by the Radiology Supervisor
• Leads or participates in required MRI emergency preparedness activities - including quarterly fire drills - cardiac arrest drills - magnet quench response - evacuation procedures - and interdisciplinary safety simulations
• Provides expert-level consultation to clinical staff regarding MRI contraindications - device safety - screening discrepancies - and risk-benefit assessments - representing the advanced technical and safety expertise expected at GS-10
• Prepares - calculates - and administers contrast media in accordance with federal - state - and VHA regulatory standards - exercising independent clinical judgement in contrast selection and dose accuracy
• Performs IV access and ensures safe administration of contrast agents
• monitors for physiological changes and identifies early indicators of adverse reactions
• Participates in protocol development and optimization - contributes to imaging quality-improvement initiatives - and collaborates with radiologists to refine exam standards
• Functions as a technical lead and liaison between radiologists - providers - nursing - and ancillary services to ensure the timely completion of complex studies
• May be asked to provide clinical instruction and supervision to radiologic technology students or professional program shadows during MRI rotations - demonstrating the advanced teaching and mentoring responsibilities expected at the GS-10 level
• Leads onboarding - mentoring - and competency development for new MRI technologists
• assists in training personnel in MRI safety requirements under the MRSO role
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8:00am-4:30pm Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Ad-hoc only
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position.