Career Center

The incumbent serves as a Diagnostic Radiology Technologist for Imaging Service at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center. In this position the incumbent will perform routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures, and MRI/CT exams used for medical diagnosis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. 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 above the full performance level. For this position what is required is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), (CT) Computerized Tomography) . 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). Licensure, Certification or Registration: A Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will have a current, full, active and unrestricted registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for this position in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 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. 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. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates must meet the following grade requirements. Diagnostics Radiologic Technologist : GS-10 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of safety requirements for physical space pertaining to MR imaging area. Ability to establish and monitor access and safety requirements for the physical zones. Ability to develop and ensure that adequate written safety procedures, work instructions, emergency procedures, and operating instructions are issued and enforced. Knowledge of hazards posed by magnetic fields on implants, medical devices, hospital equipment and retained foreign bodies, and the development of measures taken against those hazards. Ability to train medical, technical, nursing and all other relevant staff groups (including ancillary workers) in all procedural aspects related to MR safety. Assignment. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards. Physical Requirements: DRT's work requires long periods of standing and walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing / pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons. Movement of moderately heavy equipment is generally power assisted such as portable machines. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of other employees and devices provided by the Radiology Section. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["This position is located in VA New James J. Peters Medical Center. The DRT performs imaging exams on inpatients, outpatients, routine patients, stat patients and on patients in the Emergency Department and in the OR in any facility operated by the VA James J. Peter Health Care System.\nCoverage is provided 24 hours, 7 days a week. The incumbent is expected to provide various tour coverage including weekends and holidays. As a diagnostic technologist under the direction of the Chief DRT, the incumbent positions the patient on the radiographic examination table and moves the radiographic x-ray tube over the patient and applies knowledge and skill in setting technical exposure factors based on time, distance and patient body habitus to obtain optimum radiographic images. The incumbent operates independently without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. Incumbent must have competency to perform MR, CT and special/interventional procedures. Incumbent must have competency to perform MR, CT and special/interventional procedures, must be well versed in all issues related to patient safety and site safety, as well as, following all regulations in the MR environment, which is unique, as per local policy. Incumbent spends roughly 75% of time performing MR and 25% of time performing CT exams, general radiology and special/interventional procedures. Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as well as medical terminology in order to perform responsibilities and demonstrate a high degree of accuracy in radiographic positioning and exposure techniques. Ability to perform a variety of routine and complex MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) exams including routine, vascular (peripheral, neurovascular), neuro (brain/spine) and musculoskeletal. Incumbent must be familiar with identifying and initiating treatment for extravasation of IV contrast loading, programming and use of automated power injectors. Incumbent must be familiar with the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to intravenous iodinated contrast, as well as gadolinium based MR contrast agents, and immediately inform medical staff in the area including nurse and/or physician, and if necessary, activate emergency code and initiate CPR. Maintain operations log, maintenance and service reports. Perform or monitor safety checks on patients, employees and visitors to comply with FDA safety standards. Record computer data on film, magnetic tape, laser disc, and plotter paper as needed. Collect, collate and combine images with patient data and prepare for physician evaluation. Work Schedule: Tuesday-Friday 11am-7:30pm, Saturday 8am-4:30pm with Rotation and On Call\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #:24382-F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]