Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Summary

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

Duties

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will provide Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Diagnostic Radiology Services at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center under the direction of a physician and assists the radiologist in complex exams and procedures. Technologists coming in at this grade level are required to complete a training period where policies, protocol, and procedures of NF/SG Diagnostic Imaging are introduced. He/she will be exposed to the different aspects and rotations within MRI. The training will include, but is not limited to, functionality of MRI equipment, routine and advanced imaging procedures, and patient safety. The training will include performance-based competencies to ensure a complete understanding of the functionality and operation of all the radiologic/MR equipment, difficult procedures and general examinations in order to be fully successful at this grade level. The technologist will also be required to work a variety of off tour shifts gaining experience and exposure to different situations he/she may not encounter on a normal tour. The Technologist at this grade level is required be on Call-back status as this is a 24-hour modality service and coverage either by call or in-house is always maintained. The on-call technologist will also be utilized when off tour shift coverage is necessary on an emergency basis. Functions include but are not limited to: Interpret requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinicians. Performs a spectrum of simple and advanced MRI exams following prescribed protocols required to perform procedures of the: Brain, Abdominal, Cardiac, MSK, Breast, Extremity, Urological, interventional planning and procedures with and without the use of contrast materials as directed by the radiologist. Operate all MRI equipment, a variety of super conductive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners, highly complex computerized imaging device which employs the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to acquire images. Receive and positively identify each patient by asking for two (2) forms of identification not limited to, full name, full social security number, or date of birth. Assist in the transporting of patients, via wheelchair, stretcher, or with walking assistance when appropriate, to different locations throughout the hospital and medical centers. Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, EMS, nursing personnel, etc. Perform adequate MRI safety screening, explain the exam procedure, chooses the best imaging coil for the part of the patient's body being scanned. Observe patient safety guidelines as set forth in department and Medical Center policies and procedures; and the Reference Manual for MRI Safety Implants and Devices, and American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines for MR safety. Perform and complete imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent and routine exams. Monitor the MRI schedule and reschedule appointments to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Prepare sterile procedure trays, sterile supplies, power injector, pressure bags, and all necessary ancillary equipment. Report all equipment failures to the bio-medical engineer, PACS administrator, supervisor, lead and/or co-workers in a timely manner. Utilize Vista and CPRS to look up pertinent patient information that relates to patient examinations; including pertinent laboratory reports, nursing notes, radiology orders/consults, physician notes, allergies, and radiology reports. Clean and disinfect equipment after each use in accordance with infection control and EMS standards and demonstrate competency in the ability to set up, clean or reprocess Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as related to the manufacture guidelines. Work Schedule: 1pm - 9:30pm, Monday through Friday including mandatory on-call rotations for after-hours and Federal Holidays Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 50675F EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], an available EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

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: 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. 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. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Certification-Documentation required. 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 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Advanced certification indicates that the technologist can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. Education-Submit documentation. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date (12/13/2019) of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, i