Clarification from the agency

Open to ALL U.S. Citizens. Please note: Facility employees are the 1st area of consideration.

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Functions include but not limited to:

• Meets the requirements set forth in TVHCS policy for BLS; BLS Certification is maintained on a bi-annual basis and always remains compliant..
• 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.
• Works under the supervision of the Section Supervisor and rotates all responsibilities within the MRI section. Incumbent will also support the diagnostic radiology section by providing coverage in this area, as needed. He/she works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and/or Section Supervisor on more difficult problems.
• Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology.
• Performs all aspects of MRI imaging including advanced level aspects of MRI Imaging.
• 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.
• Required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the service standard operating procedure manual for guidelines on administration of contrast media, after-Hours studies, and use of contrast media.
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in MRI.
• Competent and educated in all aspects of MRI Safety.
• Competent and educated in all organizational/service policies pertaining to the technologist and their assigned work section.
• Receives and interprets MRI requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS.
• Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent and routine exams.
• Responsible for operating and maximizing utilization of all equipment. Independently identifies, performs and completes active radiologic exams. Coordinates examinations that require radiologist direction around physician availability, maximizing exam room effectiveness. Independently identifies, performs and completes inpatient radiology exams whenever possible, to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment for hospitalized patients.
• Works with staff and MRI schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments.
• Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff, as mandated by Medical Center and Infection Control. Applies safety procedures for self, patients and others as mandated by Imaging Service standard operating procedures for all imaging modalities. Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in the department.
• Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies.
• Independent judgment and ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus and when necessary, confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams.
• Properly identifies patient by using full name and full social security number and/or hospital name band.
• Responsible for minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment.
• Adheres to Radiation Safety guidelines and properly determines applying technical factors.
• Be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of The Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.
• Maintains competency and thorough knowledge of the processes for Critical, Semi-Critical, and Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).
• Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations, using protective equipment when required and provided. Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace.
• Complete and thorough knowledge of the employee competency folder, maintain the ability to review each section with complete understanding of the individual requirements. Completes all annual and/or new competencies.
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI.
• Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients.
• Uses word processing software to execute several office automations functions. They will also use the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) to access information and the hospital Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) Systems for patient information storage.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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.
• 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).
  • 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).

• 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.
• 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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:
• Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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.]

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.