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Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)
Direct Jobs, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Summary
The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) - position is assigned to the Medical Imaging - Radiology Service - Magnetic Resonance Imaging section within the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. The MRI Technologist 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 and carries out the assigned tasks independently.
Qualifications
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
English Language Proficiency
DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
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: Applicants must have 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).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: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR) - GS-0647-10 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-09 level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
AND - Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: In addition - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1
Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes
2
Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures - and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures
3
Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of X-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
4
Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies
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
Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures
At this grade level - any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity
Such assignments are unique - perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology - Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations - and intermediate QM type duties within the program
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
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy isGS-10
Physical Requirements
Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over
moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
pushing up to 4 hours
reaching above shoulder
use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required)
prolonged walking - prolonged standing
repeated bending
ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20
ability to distinguish basic colors
hearing (aid permitted)
speed in working
and emotional stability
Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.
Duties
Responsible for reading - understanding - and following all Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and Radiology policies and procedures and maintaining compliance in all requirements essential to maintaining their position
Responsible for assuming various rotating schedules as determined by the Operations Manager - Radiology Service
Performs all aspects of MRI imaging head - neck - spine - abdomen - pelvis - musculoskeletal - special imaging procedures such as Arthrograms - MRA/MRV angiography exams utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis
Responsible for maintenance of Level 1 and Level 2 MRI safety training
Responsible for screening patients - care givers - medical providers - and all others who enter the MRI suite for contraindications for entering Zone IV
Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions including renal function for patients requiring contrast agents per Radiology service policy
Responsible for explaining exams and risks to competent patients so the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possible
Responsible for operating and maximizing utilization of a wide variety of highly sophisticated imaging equipment including but not limited to Power Injectors - 3D Reconstruction Software - Siemens 1.5T Symphony and Siemens 3T Skyra MRI scanners
Determines technical factors such as repetition time - TE - bandwidth - field of view - slice thickness - etc to produce high quality images and satisfy requirements of MR exams
Maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service procedure manual for guidelines on MRI Safety - Administration of Contrast Media - and all other relevant Radiology policies and procedures
Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist that are used in MRI - to include general - specialized - MR Angiography - and all other exams
Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality
Assure that appointments are scheduled/rescheduled within the appropriate time frames as outlined in hospital directives or memoranda
Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy - appropriateness date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS
Reviews imaging orders screening information for accuracy - noting and researching all questionable information prior to contacting the patient or performing the exam
Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies - notifying Supervisor when supplies are not available and monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance
Properly identifies patient images by using the HIS/RIS patient identification lists - R & L markers - correct amount and type of contrast administered - timelines for any timed examinations - patient position and all other identifying markers for that view/scan
Properly identifies areas of interest on all images - if applicable
This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur
Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace
Attends scheduled training sessions and participates in facility or service-level safety promotions as directed by supervisor
Performs other assigned duties
Work Schedule: MONDAY - FRIDAY - 2:30PM - 11:00PM or 3:30PM - MIDNIGHT SHIFT WITH ON CALL AND ALTERNATE WEEKEND ROTATION
Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 05768F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Functional Statement Functional Statement #: 05768F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
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Qualifications
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
English Language Proficiency
DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
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: Applicants must have 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).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: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR) - GS-0647-10 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-09 level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
AND - Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: In addition - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1
Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes
2
Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures - and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures
3
Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of X-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
4
Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies
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
Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures
At this grade level - any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity
Such assignments are unique - perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology - Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations - and intermediate QM type duties within the program
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
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy isGS-10
Physical Requirements
Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over
moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
pushing up to 4 hours
reaching above shoulder
use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required)
prolonged walking - prolonged standing
repeated bending
ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20
ability to distinguish basic colors
hearing (aid permitted)
speed in working
and emotional stability
Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.
Duties
Responsible for reading - understanding - and following all Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and Radiology policies and procedures and maintaining compliance in all requirements essential to maintaining their position
Responsible for assuming various rotating schedules as determined by the Operations Manager - Radiology Service
Performs all aspects of MRI imaging head - neck - spine - abdomen - pelvis - musculoskeletal - special imaging procedures such as Arthrograms - MRA/MRV angiography exams utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis
Responsible for maintenance of Level 1 and Level 2 MRI safety training
Responsible for screening patients - care givers - medical providers - and all others who enter the MRI suite for contraindications for entering Zone IV
Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions including renal function for patients requiring contrast agents per Radiology service policy
Responsible for explaining exams and risks to competent patients so the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possible
Responsible for operating and maximizing utilization of a wide variety of highly sophisticated imaging equipment including but not limited to Power Injectors - 3D Reconstruction Software - Siemens 1.5T Symphony and Siemens 3T Skyra MRI scanners
Determines technical factors such as repetition time - TE - bandwidth - field of view - slice thickness - etc to produce high quality images and satisfy requirements of MR exams
Maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service procedure manual for guidelines on MRI Safety - Administration of Contrast Media - and all other relevant Radiology policies and procedures
Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist that are used in MRI - to include general - specialized - MR Angiography - and all other exams
Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality
Assure that appointments are scheduled/rescheduled within the appropriate time frames as outlined in hospital directives or memoranda
Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy - appropriateness date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS
Reviews imaging orders screening information for accuracy - noting and researching all questionable information prior to contacting the patient or performing the exam
Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies - notifying Supervisor when supplies are not available and monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance
Properly identifies patient images by using the HIS/RIS patient identification lists - R & L markers - correct amount and type of contrast administered - timelines for any timed examinations - patient position and all other identifying markers for that view/scan
Properly identifies areas of interest on all images - if applicable
This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur
Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace
Attends scheduled training sessions and participates in facility or service-level safety promotions as directed by supervisor
Performs other assigned duties
Work Schedule: MONDAY - FRIDAY - 2:30PM - 11:00PM or 3:30PM - MIDNIGHT SHIFT WITH ON CALL AND ALTERNATE WEEKEND ROTATION
Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 05768F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Functional Statement Functional Statement #: 05768F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
#J-18808-Ljbffr