The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) operates highly complex computerized imaging equipment to acquire diagnostic images used in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. He/she is an expert in performing MRI examinations in multiple planes, including axial, coronal, sagittal and dynamic blood flow studies of the head and/or body and has specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. 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. [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: 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). English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) GS-9: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 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. ORT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.] Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist MRI: Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced ORT 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(*): i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred Experience: Must Have a minimum of two years scanning experience and be registered with the A.R.R.T. in MRI References: Meet the qualification standards for the Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) as defined in VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G-25. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["- Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from radiologist or medical officers for accuracy and appropriateness. - The MRI Technologist independently reviews each requisition to assure that the clinical history provided, and area of interest is consistent with the exam requested. If a discrepancy exists, the technologist will take the appropriate corrective action. - Independently carries out the requests made by physicians; the technologist determines which scanning protocol and sequences will be scanned based on the patient's clinical history and diagnosis. - Prepares room, equipment and materials needed for patient procedures. - Properly verifies the patient's identity using two unique identifiers and using active rather than passive identification; follows VHA directives and policies. Make certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical. - Explains procedures to patient in a manner that will gain cooperation, understanding, and allay apprehension. - Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to the MRI scan table utilizing safe patient handling techniques; ergonomic methods and devices. - Positions the patient for desired results; utilizing positioning cushions, pads and straps as needed. - Ensure the patient screening process has been performed so that contraindicated materials and medical devices are kept outside the area of the magnet environment. - Properly selects patient's information from the HIS/RIS list on the workstation, verifies patient information by performing a timeout process prior to scanning. - Obtain pertinent clinical data from the patient, electronic health record, requisition, and interviewing the patient and/or family. - Uses professional judgement and possess the ability to manipulate and change prescribed protocols and technical factors according to patient necessity, pathology or triage. - Ability to identify pathology during scanning; advising the Radiologist of a change in protocol in order to obtain better pathology visualization. - Ability to reformat MRI images as directed by the Radiologist or when part of a standard procedure. Maintains proficiency on reformatting and post processing techniques. - Technologist is expected to troubleshoot equipment for error or malfunction. - Reviews patient's clinical history, diagnosis, and laboratory results via the electronic health record prior to performing the MRI exam to ensure no contraindications exist to receiving the contrast media. - Prepares and administers contrast media, under the direction of the radiologist. Follows prescribing protocols according to requested exam, contrast type, body weight, pathology and according to policy. - Follows Infection Control policies during IV insertions, maintains competencies in obtaining IV access and contrast administration. - Ability to observe patient's and monitor physiologic changes during the procedure and report complications and unusual events to the radiologist. - Screens patients prior to the exam to determine if there are any contraindications to the procedure or to the patient being exposed to a magnetic field. Examples include but are not limited to implanted medical devices, ferrous foreign bodies such as shrapnel or surgical implants, etc. - The technologist assures that the MRI patient safety screening questionnaire is completely answered, and if there are any areas of concern, they are responsible for resolving the issues before moving forward with the exam. - For patients who cannot provide a reliable history, the MRI safety screening questionnaire must be completed by a knowledgeable family member or guardian. - To evaluate if a patient can safely enter the magnetic field, additional radiology imaging may be required to screen for metallic foreign objects and/or implanted medical devices. The technologist will further investigate devices by contacting the specific device manufacturer to obtain the scanning conditions to perform the MRI exam safely. - Radiologist reviews the additional screening images and/or manufacturer scanning conditions to evaluate if the patient can undergo the MRI examination. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 436-55998-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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