Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI
What you'd do
This position is located within the Radiology Service at Chalmer's P. Wylie VAACC in Columbus, Ohio. You will work under the direction of the Chief of Radiology by way of the Radiology Supervisor with minimal oversight. You will work in MRI performing complex examinations of the head, spine, skeletal system, and soft tissue organs of the body including cardiac and perform technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician.
Major duties
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional This job opportunity is located within the Radiology Service at Chalmer's P. Wylie VAACC in Columbus, Ohio. Employees at this level are recognized as fully functional advanced DRTs, capable of carrying out their assigned tasks independently. They may be tasked with a range of assignments, including special and complex imaging procedures that go beyond the standard clinical instruction, as well as basic Quality Management duties within the program. These DRTs operate under the direction of the Chief of Radiology through the Radiology Supervisor, with only minimal oversight required. It's important to note that approximately 75% of their tour of duty is spent in MRI, where they perform complex examinations involving the head, spine, skeletal system, and soft tissue organs of the body, including cardiac imaging. The remaining 25% of their time is dedicated to technical work supporting diagnostic radiology, all under the guidance of a physician. Duties at this level include, but are not limited to: Receives requests or instructions to independently perform both diagnostic and MRI procedures, as well as other collateral duties as assigned. Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers. Performs as technologist in charge when assigned. Understands and carries out requests made by physicians, or seeks assistance from the supervisor when an uncommon, unique, or new procedure is required. Reviews MRI protocols and patient lab results prior to beginning exam. Performs point of care testing to determine whether creatinine levels are appropriate for contrast studies. Promotes and practices MRI safety. Confers with the radiologist to establish requirements of nonstandard examinations and determines technical factors, positioning, number, thickness, and cut of scans to comply with the specified MRI exam requested. Maintains knowledge for appropriate positioning, including knowledge of MRI management software to perform specific exams. Enters exam into computer with standard preselected digital settings for each MRI procedure to select, view, and transfer images. Manages troubleshooting operations (such as when unit has gone down due to a failure and must be brought up again) and manual override procedures to finish a series of scans when external conditions would otherwise cause the machine to shut off. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Explains procedures and positions to patients for desired results; cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, or intravenously under supervision by the Radiologist. Operates digital radiography equipment. Determines technical factors, sets controls, and ensures that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. Ensures ALARA principle is applied for every exam (As low as reasonably achievable). Performs daily and weekly quality assurance tests to ensure proper equipment function. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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 #: 92254-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
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. [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). 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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. 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(*): *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: Must be registered in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) via the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. 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-09. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling (1 hour); Pushing (1-2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid may be permitted).
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