Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

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
• 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
• 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)
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 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
• Knowledge - Skills - and abilities
• 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: 2 years general radiology experience with MRI certification
• ARRT (R) (MRI)
• References: VA Handbook 5005/119 2019 PART II APPENDIX G25 Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination
• Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties
• Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy - regulation - or statute.

Duties

• Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) - position is assigned to the VA Roseburg Healthcare System - Roseburg 653 and Eugene 653BY Radiology Service
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging section within the operates a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner with an associated automatic injector system - and MRI Workstation
• Duties include but are not limited to the following: This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of super conducting 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 into
• The practitioner must have specific 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 a specialized knowledge in the radiofrequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged
• The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in Computerized/Digital Radiography (CR/DR) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS)
• This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) and radiographer (R)
• a
• Technologist meets the requirements set forth in BLS Certification is maintained on a bi-annual basis and is in compliance at all times
• b
• Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality utilizing the standardized amount of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes
• This includes but is not limited to: 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner with an associated automatic injector system - and MRI Workstation and all other duties assigned
• c
• The Technologist will also support the diagnostic radiology section by providing coverage in this area fluoroscopic procedures - as needed
• He/she works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and/or DRT Supervisory team on more difficult problems
• Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives
• d
• Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology including location - appearance - and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination - and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases
• e
• Performs all advanced aspects of MRI imaging of the spine - head - neck - chest - studies including but not limited to Head - Neck - Chest - Abdomen - Pelvis - and Extremities - utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis
• f
• DRT may perform advance aspects of MRI imaging - such as Neuro studies utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis
• g
• Performs MRI imaging of the peripheral and visceral vessels through MR Angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities
• These MR angiographic studies include renal - hepatic - mesenteric - aortic - femoral - etc
• The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated equipment - such as pressure injectors and 3D Reconstruction Software
• h
• Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology SOP for guidelines on administration of Contrast Media - Guidelines for Power Injection of Contrast Media - Use of Gadolinium within the MRI Section and policy for use of Contrast Media
• i
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in MRI - to include MR Angiography and other exams
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and - therefore - it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it
• In addition - must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders
• Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient
• Technologist is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary
• j
• Technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• This is achieved by optimizing technical factors and ensuring all policies and procedure are adhered to
• k
• Technologist is competent and educated in all aspects of MRI Safety - including any policy regarding MRI Safety
• Maintains knowledge of all safety policies - practices - and all records in regard to MRI Safety
• Travel may be required to provide coverage - as needed in Eugene - OR.