The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR), is assigned to the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, Radiology Service; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Diagnostic Radiology section. 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 (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Advanced certification indicates that the technologist 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). Credentialing Standards. 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. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. 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-09: In addition to the basic requirements for employment as listed above, applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-08 grade level independently providing radiologic services with occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. Examples of qualifying experience includes, but is not limited to: experience checking radiologic systems for operation and assessing acceptable performance based on established guidelines; making calibration parameter adjustments as needed; monitoring a patients physiologic changes during procedures and keeping the radiologist informed, experience with the patients clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; experience using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; experience utilizing knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by and 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. Preferred Experience: Advanced knowledge of MR studies References: VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, GS-647 dated December 13, 2019. 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. Physical Requirements: Work requires physical exertion such as periods of standing (up to 7 hours), walking (up to 7 hours), repeated bending (.5 hours), straight pulling (.5 hours), pushing (.5 hours), use of fingers, both hands required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, reaching above the shoulder, moderate carrying (15 - 44 pounds), heavy lifting (45 pounds and over). Ability to read printed material without strain (glasses permitted), visual requirement 20/50 or better in one eye, ability to distinguish basic colors. Mental and emotional stability. Ability to hear conversational voice (aid may be permitted, based upon specific characteristics). Environmental Factors: Working around machinery with moving parts, protracted or irregular hours, radiant energy, working closely with others. ["This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of super conducting 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 specific 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 a specialized knowledge of the radiofrequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in Computerized/Digital Radiography (CR/DR) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). Incumbent will also support the diagnostic radiology section, with special emphasis on CT (Computed Tomography), by providing coverage in these areas as needed, including Call. He/she works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and/or the Chief Technologist on more difficult problems. Duties include, but are not limited to: Prepares Magnet for daily operation, brings system up, and checks all self-calibrating parameters and quality control checks; Cleans and prepares equipment surfaces in accordance with established infection control guidelines and equipment manufacture instructions; Performs routine archiving status checks and deletes data according to established guidelines; Review's patient safety and screening history form. In addition, interviews patients for potential ferrous objects, implants, or work-related metallic injuries; Alleviates patient anxiety by informing the patient about what the MRI examination entails and what the patient can expect; Coordinates with radiologist for the appropriate protocol for each exam prior to scanning the patient; Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality at all times; Constantly monitors all equipment brought into the MRI environment to ensure it is MRI safe or MRI compatible; Never permits unauthorized personnel inside zone 3 or 4 without being properly screened and escorted. Maintains competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service procedure manual for guidelines on Administration of Contrast Media, Guidelines for Power Injection of Contrast Media, Use of Gadolinium within the MRI Section and policy for use of Contrast Media; Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in MRI, to include MR Angiography and other exams; Technologist is competent and educated in all aspects of MRI Safety, including any policy regarding MRI Safety. Maintains knowledge of all safety policies, practices and all records regarding MRI Safety; Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 10:30 am - 7:00 pm\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 629-00170-F\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]