Employees trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diag. procedures. At this level employee has varying assignments including specialized and complex MRI exams. Employee has knowledge and skills to review and research medical devices for MRI scanning approval. Advanced MRI Certification through the ARRT is required, MRSO (Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer) is highly desirable but not required 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). Registered with ARRT(R) and (S) and/or ARDMS 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), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations for 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 described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience listed above, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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. Specialized and/or preferred experience: ARRT Certification in magnetic Resonance Imagery. Preferred experience up to 1 year or more. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2022. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 01, 2022, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Performs a variety of complex Magnetic Resonance exams on the patients of this Medical Center. These include but are not limited to the following:\n- Protocol evaluation to ensure providers are ordering the correct exam for the indication.\n- Sets up and positions patients, provides immobilization devices, selects proper technical factors on an individual basis. New equipment will be evaluated, and new methods will be compared with existing methods.\n- Help to develop and maintain current and new protocols on imaging in the Department.\n- Performs technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer, disk drives, calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions in the equipment used, notifies the MRI Supervisor.\n- Review of Patient charting information for surgically implanted devices, kidney function, contrast allergy, contrast dosing, active clinical warnings.\n- Coordination of care with ancillary departments such as ICU, Anesthesia, Interventional Radiology, Arrhythmia.\n- Specialized imaging of the prostate for Urology Biopsy procedures with specialized MRI Protocol.\n- Specialized Brain scans for Surgical assistance removal of brain tumors. Requires explicit placement and prep of the patient before MRI.\n- Cardiac MRI Studies requiring specialized training on sequences associated with the heart as well as specialized training and protocol for Stress Cardiac MRI. Advanced Certification is not required.\n- Post processing of Cardiac MRI Images in a Specialized system.\n- Preparation and administration with assistance from Radiologist for Oral Sedation.\n- Ability to monitor and prepare patients with MRI Conditional Pacemakers and Unsafe Pacemakers in the MRI environment.\n- MRI's of the head, neck, abdomen, pelvis, extremities, and thorax.\nThe Technologist must have the ability to manipulate scanner sequences to decrease metal bloom artifact and accommodate restrictive SAR guidelines due to implanted devices.\n- Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.\n- 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.\n- Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.\n- Participate in the MRI Evaluation Team with placement of MRI Evaluation notes to MSA Scheduling and IR post implant Notifications.\n- Helps to improve, implement, and carry out ever changing MRI Safety guidelines for patients, staff, and implants. Providing a safe environment for everyone in MRI Zone IV.\n- Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to the radiographic table.\n- Observe patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events.\n- Performs computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits.\n- Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc.\n- Always maintains a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms.\n- When operating the MRI, the incumbent coordinates with Radiologist and Physicist to determine the most ideal parameters as determined by the Radiologist and Physicist. Work Schedule: 5-8 hours tours ranging, from 06:30am - 05:30pm. On call rotating schedule- weeknights, weekends and holidays.\nCompressed/Flexible: Not Authorized\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-MRI, GS-647-10/ FS #50089A\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not required\nEducation Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]