Independently performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head, neck, spine, chest, body and extremities. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. Evaluates critical and emergency procedures and rearranges schedule to accommodate the situation. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. 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, 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). 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). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard (December 13, 2019) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. Grade Determinations: 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 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard GS-0647 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-09. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), straight pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, specific vision requirement (20/50 or better in 1 eye, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), specific hearing requirements (hear conversational voice, aid permitted), mental and emotional stability, ability to read printed material without strain (glasses permitted). (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services). ["Duties or Functions to be performed include but are not limited to: Employee understands and complies with the laws, regulations, and industry standards which apply to their job functions and performs those functions with the highest standards of business integrity. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs and reducing costs. Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize procedural scan times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the aptitude to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of nonstandard exams that do not conform to established standard protocols. Determines technical factors, positioning, etc., to produce a high-quality diagnostic study. Notifies the physician of scans requiring their immediate attention. Performs routine and advanced neurological and angiographic studies of the head, neck, spine, chest, body and extremities utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as the MRI unit, patient monitors, P ACS, etc. to achieve a high quality diagnostic study. Works with the radiologist and/or other healthcare professional as a member of the radiographic team with the responsibility for anticipating technique factor difficulties, preparation of contrast, etc. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the professional staff during the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert regarding the patient's condition, supplies and instrument requirements to assure that all preventive measures have been taken to minimize hazards associated with the procedure. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on appropriate disposal of 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices and continuing education. Prepares contrast materials for required procedures. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials runs the risk of patient mortality. Therefore, it is essential that those who prepare and administer contrast materials possess a thorough understanding of its usage and contraindications. This requires continual alertness to the patient's condition and other disorders. The alertness is essential for the recognition of potential patient reactions. Reactions require an immediate response to minimize harm and ensure patient safety. Therefore, CPR certification and demonstrated venipuncture competency is a requirement for this position. Practices radiation safety (ALARA) in order to reduce exposure to the patients, employee, staff, and others. Reducing exposure time, increasing distance and utilizing shielding (i.e. lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation) will ensure compliance and minimize radiation exposure. Responsible for wearing film badges in compliance with radiation regulations. Performs advanced image manipulations on workstations as directed by the radiologist, healthcare professional or standard operation protocol. Maintains accurate records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes maintenance of patient registration and editing of patient exams, documentation within the radiographic modality, Vista, CPRS (i.e. electronic educational progress notes, etc.) and other required quality assurance records. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential to ensure mistaken identity of patient images do not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient I.D. band and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient information. Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Radiology Service policy. Responsible for explaining the procedure to competent patients in a manner that is understandable to the patient and includes what is to be done as well as any potential risks or hazards. Responsible for inventory and stocking of all MRI supplies and other related materials. Work Schedule: Alternating (Every Other) Saturdays, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; 8 hours per pay period Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD64716A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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