Summary

Diagnostic Radiologic MRI Technologist position is located within Radiology Service at the Knoxville VA Outpatient Clinic - the incumbent has the responsibility for the performance Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams under the direction of the Radiologist. Operates and maintains a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner to obtain highest quality specialized images - which are used by physicians to diagnose the nature and extent of disease and other pathologies.

Qualifications

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
• 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)
• Exception for Non-Certified - Entry Level Candidates
• Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B)
• The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level
• This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician
• For grade levels above the entry level - the candidate must be certified
• Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment
• Loss of Credential
• An employee in this occupation 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
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• 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-10 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 (MRI)certification
• Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) 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
• 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
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes
• Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures - and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• The MRI technologist participates in the establishment of scan protocols and sequences in the execution of specific applications - as appropriate
• Provides guidance and instruction to support staff - students - and visitors in MRI imaging procedures and safety standards - to assure safety in and around the high magnetic environment
• Functions or duties of this position include but are not limited to: Receives patients and ensures proper identification
• Provides patient education
• Continually assesses the condition and needs of patients to ensure patient safety - comfort and privacy before placing the patient in the MRI scanner
• Interviews each patient before the examination to determine if the patient has a contraindication for MRI
• The MRI Technologist functions as an expert - regarding software and hardware capability and performance of the MRI unit
• The technologist selects the proper pulse sequences to best demonstrate the patients' pathology
• The technologist optimizes each system parameter to obtain optimal images
• Maintains protocol exam booklet - which includes - positioning - acquisition parameters and orientation of slices
• The technologist makes recommendations to improve - maintain - and to update the MRI protocols for the radiologist
• The technologist effectively coordinates with physicians - nurses - patients and other medical personnel of the Veterans Administration Hospital - to assure that the service is carried out in a prompt and effective manner
• Maintains highest quality patient supervision - monitoring patients' condition with specialized equipment keeping constant check on vital signs and the patient's comfort
• The MRI technologist resolves individual problems and refers unsolved problems to the chief radiology technologist for solutions
• The technologist oversees maintenance of the MRI suite ensuring cleanliness - proper mechanical operation - and execution of infection control policy and maintenance of supply levels for each exam
• The MRI technologists keep abreast of newly developed MRI accessories - exams - protocols and systems
• The MRI technologist is the liaison between the MRI department - engineering - and MRI equipment manufacturer
• Facilitates the implementation of software updates - hardware updates - and services calls for repair - calibration - and maintenance of cryogens
• The technologist performs daily quality control on the MRI system
• Maintains quality assurance programs for the laser imager and patient monitoring equipment
• The technologist monitors the PACS system to ensure images are archiving and transferring properly
• The MRI technologist performs all major duties including coordinating the schedule for MRI patient examinations
• Prioritizes and evaluates the nature/need of critical or emergency procedures
• Maintains a record of patient studies and examinations performed
• The technologist confers with other technologist on new developments and examination protocol changes
• The MRI technologist performs venipuncture and injects contrast material for MRI exams as necessary
• The MRI technologist serves as a liaison with all levels of management pertaining to the MRI section
• Work Schedule: 6:45a - 5:30p with rotating Saturdays required Compressed/Flexible: Authorized Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authoriized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 70281-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized