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This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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. 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. 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). Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(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). Criteria is described in Additional Information below. Grade Determinations: GS-9: 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. Preferred Experience: Registered MR technologist capable of performing MSK, Neuro, abdominal and vascular MR imaging. Must be willing to work evenings and pull rotational call. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application. ["The MRI Technologist Functions: MRI Technologist (MRIT) prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for performing MRI exams requiring injectable contrast. Requires the use of needles, syringes, injectors. Must know the effects and adverse reactions of contrast, improper use or admin of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality, therefore, MUST have thorough understanding of usage possessed by those who prepare it and continuously be on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment. MRIT must have a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology to produce the more complex and complicated MR exams. MRI exams are performed to include routine and emergent MR exams of the Head, Spine, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, upper and lower extremities to include the joints. More complex MR exams such as MRCPs, focused Liver, Pancreas, Renal, Cardiac protocols, MR arthrograms, and MRA's to include abdominal MRAs, Arterial Runoffs of the upper and lower extremities with Multiplanar, 3D and MIP reconstructions. MRI has a responsibility to recognize and exhibit good safety practices around the super conductive magnet to comply with published FDA safety standards and communicated safety procedures especially when allowing entry into the magnet gantry room (5 gauss magnetic field) of; ferrous objects which could harm patients and employees, patients with cardiac pacemakers and other implantable devices, checking patients and others with magnetic detector before entering room and to immediately report observed safety infractions and unsafe working conditions. The MRIT is knowledgeable in all facets of the MRI safety screening process. The MRIT is responsible for completing or supervising the completion the following quality control procedures which may include but not exclusively the following: Daily gradient calibration Daily phantoms Daily computer file maintenance Fine Tuning of gradient during examinations The MRIT advises the Radiologist of those exams which require immediate attention while the patient is still undergoing the exam. Coordinates with radiologist to determine ideal parameters for pulsing magnet for each individual patient exam. Optimizes scanner times to maintain flexibility for scheduling inpatients and emergencies. Receives and interprets all radiology requests and consults. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer, develops and updates MRI consults to properly screen patients prior to MRI exam, registers requests, cancels, and edits exams via the computerized patient record system (CPRS and DHCP). Coordinates daily schedule and consults with hospital physicians, clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to the next day and future day's availability for patient exams. Sends all exam/image information to VISTA archive and PACS. The MRIT sets up and positions patients, provides immobilization devices, selects proper technical factors on an individual patient basis, selects proper coils and operates the computerized equipment. Monitors technical factors during each exam to obtain best diagnostic images. Maintaining adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in MRI. Interacts with patients, explains exams, monitors patients during all phases of the exam, records all patient exam information for permanent record. A thorough knowledge of basic nursing practices and first aid related to MRI including: emergency cardiac arrest procedures, principles of hypodermic, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous injections is required. Knowledge of universal precautions and proper donning and removal of Personal Protective Equipment when necessary. As well as performing other duties pertaining to patient care as required. Supervises rotating x-ray students in MRI. Supervises Health Tech, trains volunteers in MRI. Performs technical operation and general tech maintenance of the computer, disk drives, console, imaging devices and assists manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions in the equipment used notifies the Chief Technologist of any failure or required service and submits work orders for repair. Required to participate in an active on-call schedule for emergent cases. Additional duties listed on functional statement. Work Schedule: Specific shifts will be discussed during the interview process. All shifts will require rotational weekend and holidays. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN9HREDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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