Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)
Exams are largely done by established protocol however the technologist may be required to tailor exams in some situations to meet the unique requirements or condition of a given patient. The technologist supports affiliated teaching programs by providing instruction and guidance to trainees. The technologist supports development of all coworkers and peers by providing assistance, instruction and guidance as needed. Receives patients, confirms patient identification, obtains patient history, provides patient education, provides reassurance and ensures patient comfort, screens for risks and contraindications, assists in medication reconciliation, screens for duplicate exams that would result in unnecessary repeat, assesses patient during and after exam for adverse reactions or complications. Continually assesses the condition and needs of patients to ensure patient safety, comfort and privacy. Coordinates care to provide service timely to the clinical need. Reviews requests for appropriateness before performing exams. Incumbent uses appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, interviews the patient, reviews the patient chart or contacts the ordering clinician as needed for clarification. Presents discrepant or deficient indications to the Supervisory MIT (MRI) or radiologist as appropriate. Employs strict adherence to MRI safety practices:
-- Safety screening of all patients, visitors and staff entering zones III and IV. -- Competence in Level II MRI safety training -- Checks implant compatibility through registration cards, vendor contact and other methods to ensure complete knowledge of MRI compatibility. -- Safety checks to prevent patient burns. -- For contrast-enhanced exams, screens patients for risk factors such as allergy, renal insufficiency or pregnancy. Positions patient within the MRI scanner, monitors patient during all phases of the examination, removes patient from the MRI scanner upon completion of the scan, and escorts out of Zones III and IV. Performs technical duties of MRI exams operating the MRI and associated devices and supplies required to complete exams and procedures. Equipment includes, but is not limited to:
MRI scanner, MRI radiofrequency coils, power injectors and monitoring equipment. Selects and applies appropriate protocols and exam techniques specific to each patient to provide high quality images. Applies knowledge of the anatomy, organ systems and pathology applicable to MRI, MRA, and MRV exams to execute appropriate imaging parameters, to evaluate exams for diagnostic quality before submitting them for interpretation, to recognize critical pathology that requires prompt medical attention, and to modify techniques as needed to optimally demonstrate anatomy or disease. Establishes venous access using a sheath-needle type angiocatheter employing sterile technique. Assesses IV access for adequacy to support contrast injection. Loads power injector using aseptic technique, applying safety checks to prevent air embolization. Administers contrast media under the direction of a radiologist or other privileged provider using a power injector or hand held syringe. Monitors injection site during contrast injection to reduce the risk of extravasation, and to prevent significant volume of extravasation. Optimizes images for radiologist interpretation:
applies annotations and measurements, performs post-processing as needed such as image reconstruction, modified processing algorithm, 3-D rendering etc. Administrative functions:
registers exams, status tracks completed exams using compliant CPT coding. Ensures completed exams are properly archived both in PACS and VISTA Imaging. Copies exams onto disc or other electronic media when ROI (Release of Information) is not available. Stay current on new protocols, software changes, policies and procedures, and quality assurance requirements. Participates in relevant continuing education and personal development. Performs general maintenance on equipment such as warm-up and shut down sequences, calibration, QC and basic troubleshooting. Maintains appropriate logs to document equipment performance history. Identifies deviations from equipment specifications and initiates corrective action. Performs basic troubleshooting for sending images to PACS. Uses CPRS within scope of technologist duties such as pre and post contrast notes, education notes, progress notes and policy orders. Assists in QA and QC data collection, and the development and updating of procedure manuals, training programs, new employee orientation materials, patient education materials and other written guidance. Initiates and participates in PI (Performance Improvement) activities using appropriate techniques and measures of improvement. Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday; 2:
00pm-10:
30pm; Rotational Call-Nights, Weekends and Holidays Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required BASIC REQUIREMENTS. a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) b. 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). English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk ( ):
i. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of a GS-9. Physical Requirements:
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
-- Safety screening of all patients, visitors and staff entering zones III and IV. -- Competence in Level II MRI safety training -- Checks implant compatibility through registration cards, vendor contact and other methods to ensure complete knowledge of MRI compatibility. -- Safety checks to prevent patient burns. -- For contrast-enhanced exams, screens patients for risk factors such as allergy, renal insufficiency or pregnancy. Positions patient within the MRI scanner, monitors patient during all phases of the examination, removes patient from the MRI scanner upon completion of the scan, and escorts out of Zones III and IV. Performs technical duties of MRI exams operating the MRI and associated devices and supplies required to complete exams and procedures. Equipment includes, but is not limited to:
MRI scanner, MRI radiofrequency coils, power injectors and monitoring equipment. Selects and applies appropriate protocols and exam techniques specific to each patient to provide high quality images. Applies knowledge of the anatomy, organ systems and pathology applicable to MRI, MRA, and MRV exams to execute appropriate imaging parameters, to evaluate exams for diagnostic quality before submitting them for interpretation, to recognize critical pathology that requires prompt medical attention, and to modify techniques as needed to optimally demonstrate anatomy or disease. Establishes venous access using a sheath-needle type angiocatheter employing sterile technique. Assesses IV access for adequacy to support contrast injection. Loads power injector using aseptic technique, applying safety checks to prevent air embolization. Administers contrast media under the direction of a radiologist or other privileged provider using a power injector or hand held syringe. Monitors injection site during contrast injection to reduce the risk of extravasation, and to prevent significant volume of extravasation. Optimizes images for radiologist interpretation:
applies annotations and measurements, performs post-processing as needed such as image reconstruction, modified processing algorithm, 3-D rendering etc. Administrative functions:
registers exams, status tracks completed exams using compliant CPT coding. Ensures completed exams are properly archived both in PACS and VISTA Imaging. Copies exams onto disc or other electronic media when ROI (Release of Information) is not available. Stay current on new protocols, software changes, policies and procedures, and quality assurance requirements. Participates in relevant continuing education and personal development. Performs general maintenance on equipment such as warm-up and shut down sequences, calibration, QC and basic troubleshooting. Maintains appropriate logs to document equipment performance history. Identifies deviations from equipment specifications and initiates corrective action. Performs basic troubleshooting for sending images to PACS. Uses CPRS within scope of technologist duties such as pre and post contrast notes, education notes, progress notes and policy orders. Assists in QA and QC data collection, and the development and updating of procedure manuals, training programs, new employee orientation materials, patient education materials and other written guidance. Initiates and participates in PI (Performance Improvement) activities using appropriate techniques and measures of improvement. Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday; 2:
00pm-10:
30pm; Rotational Call-Nights, Weekends and Holidays Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required BASIC REQUIREMENTS. a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) b. 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). English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk ( ):
i. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of a GS-9. Physical Requirements:
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
- Department:
0647 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Salary Range:
$52,905 to $68,777 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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