Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) (Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Augusta, GA seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist to perform digital radiography, MRI, and MRA of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body, with or without contrast, to support accurate diagnosis.

This role requires ARRT certification, completion of a JRCERT-accredited program, and ability to work off-hours, weekends and holidays as needed.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by ARRT (R) required.
• Advanced ARRT certification required for MRI/CT/Mammography duties.
• Completion of a 24-month post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program accredited by JRCERT.
• Credentialing per 42 CFR Part 75 standards.

Responsibilities

• Performs digital radiography and MRI/MRA of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body.
• Exams performed with or without contrast materials as indicated.
• Works off-hour shifts, weekends and holidays as priorities demand.

Skills

ARRT certification

MR knowledge

Diagnostic imaging

Patient care

Education

JRCERT accredited program

Tools

MRI equipment

Job description

Performs digital radiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. The incumbent also works off-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays, as priorities demonstrate a need.

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.

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).

Basic Requirements

• Citizenship. 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].
• Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.

Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice

To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT.

Quality of Experience

Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.

Part-Time Experience

Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)

This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting 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. The practitioner must have 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 specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. [This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.]

Grade Determinations

In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist MRI GS-9:

(1) 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.

(2) 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:

(a) Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT 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.

• *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather 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; and
• Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Reference:

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is 9.

Physical Requirements:

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.