Direct Jobs
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)
Direct Jobs, Durham, North Carolina, United States, 27703
Summary
General: The incumbent will function at the advanced performance level. The incumbent's primary responsibilities are in the performance of standard and specialized Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examinations for both inpatient and outpatient populations at Durham VAMG. The purpose of the work is to provide diagnostically acceptable MRI studies for the healthcare team to use in the clinical diagnosis – therapeutic planning – and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions and diseases.
Qualifications
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.)
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.
For modalities that require advanced certification, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.
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 recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).
Public Law 97‑35 – the Consumer‑Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 – requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75 – Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel.
An employee 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.
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) – and 7407(d).
Creditable experience (knowledge of current radiologic technology practice): experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge – skills – abilities – and other characteristics associated with current radiologic technology practice, evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice.
Quality of experience: experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements.
Part‑time experience: part‑time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full‑time workweek (for example, a DRT would receive one week of full‑time credit for each two weeks of half‑time work).
Specialized assignments – Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR): requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, cross‑sectional anatomy, radio‑frequency surface coils, contrast media, PACS, and advanced ARRT (MR) certification.
GRADE DETERMINATIONS: ... (summary of criteria for determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates).
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑09; the actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS‑09.
Responsibilities
Functions:
(a) The incumbent independently performs most routine, urgent, and emergent MRI studies with and without the administration of gadolinium‑based contrast agents (GBCA) within the anatomical areas of the head, spine, musculoskeletal system, chest, extremities, and body as performed at VAMC Durham – under general supervision.
(b) The incumbent performs all advanced‑level/complex MRI imaging of the breast, cardiac, lower extremity arterial or venous, upper extremity MRA, functional brain imaging, and interventional (procedural) exams such as biopsies as performed at VAMC Durham – under general supervision.
(c) Assists the radiologist when performing MR‑guided biopsies: sets up equipment, delivers specimens to the laboratory service, and coordinates with other departments as necessary.
(d) Prepares and administers gadolinium‑based contrast materials that are indicated for selected MRI exams and procedures in accordance with manufacturer weight‑based dosage volume charts to determine the appropriate injection volume of the GBCA.
(e) Maintains strict adherence to established MRI safety & screening policies and protocols to safeguard both the imaging environment and patient encounter; accurately and completely screens all patients, staff members, and visitors for MRI compatibility and ensures appropriate MRI clearance and resolution of potential contraindications before permitting entrance into Zones 2‑4.
(f) Ensures all MRI requisitions (orders) are appropriately processed, retrieved, screened, and protocoled by the radiologist as needed in a timely manner and submitted for follow‑on scheduler action in accordance with VHA Radiology Scheduling Directive and departmental guidelines and procedures.
(g) Maintains adequate quantities of medical consumable supplies and/or devices readily available to perform routine and emergent diagnostic imaging, including scheduled interventional procedures, through inventory monitoring and restocking activities.
(h) Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique, storage of sterile supplies, disposal of body fluids and sharps, proper attire, hand‑washing practices, and continuing education.
(i) Appropriately uses administrative menus, functions, and tools of VISTA, CPRS, RAGS, and VetLink to manage patient encounters, document treatment and care, archive diagnostic imaging, and monitor patient check‑in statuses.
(j) Adheres to established patient and exam identification policies and procedures to ensure correct identification of all patients and proper linkage to electronic medical records.
(k) Facilitates a positive patient encounter by monitoring patient arrival status, communicating schedule delays, explaining imaging indications/preparation requirements/contraindications/potential adverse effects to patients, handling patient service situations tactfully, and escalating complaints when necessary.
(l) Maintains continuous technical and administrative proficiency related to the position through completion of initial and annual competency assessment checklists to ensure adherence to established imaging practice standards, departmental/facility policies, standard operating procedures, and safety regulations.
Work schedule: 0800‑1630.
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Qualifications
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.)
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.
For modalities that require advanced certification, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.
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 recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).
Public Law 97‑35 – the Consumer‑Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 – requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75 – Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel.
An employee 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.
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) – and 7407(d).
Creditable experience (knowledge of current radiologic technology practice): experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge – skills – abilities – and other characteristics associated with current radiologic technology practice, evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice.
Quality of experience: experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements.
Part‑time experience: part‑time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full‑time workweek (for example, a DRT would receive one week of full‑time credit for each two weeks of half‑time work).
Specialized assignments – Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR): requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, cross‑sectional anatomy, radio‑frequency surface coils, contrast media, PACS, and advanced ARRT (MR) certification.
GRADE DETERMINATIONS: ... (summary of criteria for determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates).
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑09; the actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS‑09.
Responsibilities
Functions:
(a) The incumbent independently performs most routine, urgent, and emergent MRI studies with and without the administration of gadolinium‑based contrast agents (GBCA) within the anatomical areas of the head, spine, musculoskeletal system, chest, extremities, and body as performed at VAMC Durham – under general supervision.
(b) The incumbent performs all advanced‑level/complex MRI imaging of the breast, cardiac, lower extremity arterial or venous, upper extremity MRA, functional brain imaging, and interventional (procedural) exams such as biopsies as performed at VAMC Durham – under general supervision.
(c) Assists the radiologist when performing MR‑guided biopsies: sets up equipment, delivers specimens to the laboratory service, and coordinates with other departments as necessary.
(d) Prepares and administers gadolinium‑based contrast materials that are indicated for selected MRI exams and procedures in accordance with manufacturer weight‑based dosage volume charts to determine the appropriate injection volume of the GBCA.
(e) Maintains strict adherence to established MRI safety & screening policies and protocols to safeguard both the imaging environment and patient encounter; accurately and completely screens all patients, staff members, and visitors for MRI compatibility and ensures appropriate MRI clearance and resolution of potential contraindications before permitting entrance into Zones 2‑4.
(f) Ensures all MRI requisitions (orders) are appropriately processed, retrieved, screened, and protocoled by the radiologist as needed in a timely manner and submitted for follow‑on scheduler action in accordance with VHA Radiology Scheduling Directive and departmental guidelines and procedures.
(g) Maintains adequate quantities of medical consumable supplies and/or devices readily available to perform routine and emergent diagnostic imaging, including scheduled interventional procedures, through inventory monitoring and restocking activities.
(h) Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique, storage of sterile supplies, disposal of body fluids and sharps, proper attire, hand‑washing practices, and continuing education.
(i) Appropriately uses administrative menus, functions, and tools of VISTA, CPRS, RAGS, and VetLink to manage patient encounters, document treatment and care, archive diagnostic imaging, and monitor patient check‑in statuses.
(j) Adheres to established patient and exam identification policies and procedures to ensure correct identification of all patients and proper linkage to electronic medical records.
(k) Facilitates a positive patient encounter by monitoring patient arrival status, communicating schedule delays, explaining imaging indications/preparation requirements/contraindications/potential adverse effects to patients, handling patient service situations tactfully, and escalating complaints when necessary.
(l) Maintains continuous technical and administrative proficiency related to the position through completion of initial and annual competency assessment checklists to ensure adherence to established imaging practice standards, departmental/facility policies, standard operating procedures, and safety regulations.
Work schedule: 0800‑1630.
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