Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Montgomery (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) in Montgomery, AL seeks an Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI). The incumbent performs urgent and emergent radiographic examinations, guides patients through procedures, and manages equipment settings and exposures.

ARRT radiography certification and MRI eligibility are required for advancement. Applicants may be referred while completing education/certification, with full compliance required before hire.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship as required by VA policy for appointment.
• English language proficiency for spoken and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Perform urgent and emergent radiographic examinations.
• Explain method of procedure, position patients, and set up and adjust equipment.
• Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

Associate degree or certificate in diagnostic radiologic technology (JRCERT-accredited)

ARRT Radiography (R) certification

Advanced ARRT MRI certification

Job description

The Advanced Diagnostic Radiology Technologist (MRI) located at Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS), primarily performs urgent and emergent radiographic examinations. Receives patients, explains method of procedure, positions patients, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required, and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedures.

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.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).
• 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). (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.
• Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT (MRI) certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 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. (PROVIDE A COPY OF CERTIFICATIONS)

Grade Determinations

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.

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.

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).

Preferred Experience

Must be registered with the ARRT in Radiology (R) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

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-10.

Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook Directive 5019