The incumbent serves as a Diagnostic Radiology Technologist for Imaging Service at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center. In this position the incumbent will perform routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures, and MRI/CT exams used for medical diagnosis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. 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 above the full performance level. For this position what is required is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), (CT) Computerized Tomography) . 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). Licensure, Certification or Registration: A Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will have a current, full, active and unrestricted registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for this position in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 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. Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification. 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 above, candidates must meet the following grade requirements. Diagnostics Radiologic Technologist : 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of safety requirements for physical space pertaining to MR imaging area. Ability to establish and monitor access and safety requirements for the physical zones. Ability to develop and ensure that adequate written safety procedures, work instructions, emergency procedures, and operating instructions are issued and enforced. Knowledge of hazards posed by magnetic fields on implants, medical devices, hospital equipment and retained foreign bodies, and the development of measures taken against those hazards. Ability to train medical, technical, nursing and all other relevant staff groups (including ancillary workers) in all procedural aspects related to MR safety. Assignment. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards. Physical Requirements: DRT's work requires long periods of standing and walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing / pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons. Movement of moderately heavy equipment is generally power assisted such as portable machines. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of other employees and devices provided by the Radiology Section. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["This position is located in VA New James J. Peters Medical Center. The DRT performs imaging exams on inpatients, outpatients, routine patients, stat patients and on patients in the Emergency Department and in the OR in any facility operated by the VA James J. Peter Health Care System. As a diagnostic technologist under the direction of the Chief DRT, the incumbent positions the patient on the radiographic examination table and moves the radiographic x-ray tube over the patient and applies knowledge and skill in setting technical exposure factors based on time, distance and patient body habitus to obtain optimum radiographic images. The incumbent operates independently without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations. 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. Incumbent must have competency to perform MR, CT and special/interventional procedures. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist integrates specific knowledge and technical skills with effective patient interaction to provide quality patient care with useful diagnostic information for proper diagnosis and treatment. Incumbent is flexible and may change tour of duty to meet Radiology Service patient care needs. Tours of duty may be changed with advance notice. The incumbent covers in house off tour rotations, weekends, and holidays where most of the work consists of general radiology and MRI procedures. On days when units are scheduled for routine maintenance, the incumbent will perform procedures in other modalities including general radiology, operating room procedures and fluoroscopic procedures. Incumbent must be able to perform a variety of routine and complex MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) exams including routine, vascular (peripheral, neurovascular), neuro (brain/spine) and musculoskeletal. Incumbent must be able to perform a variety of routine and complex CT Computerized Tomography) exams including routine, vascular (cardiac and noncardiac), musculoskeletal and neuroradiologic. The incumbent is assigned to the diagnostic modalities of the Radiology Service. He/she perform routine general diagnostic studies using general radiographic, fluoroscopic, and or digital imaging equipment producing ionizing radiation. Incumbent technologist practices ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) protocol in applying radiographic techniques. Patients are positioned utilizing optimal patient safety guidelines. Studies are processed electronically utilizing computerized (CR) or digital (DR) image reader. Images are checked for correctness, quality and then sent to the Picture Archive Communications System (PACS) for interpretation by the radiologist. The incumbent works as a member of the Radiology team to perform the following functions and studies (not limited to): Position patient within the examining unit, monitor patient during all phases of the examination, and remove patient from the influence of the magnetic field upon completion of the data acquisition. Coordinate with radiologist to determine the most ideal parameters to pulse the magnet for each individualized patient examination. All pre-programmed protocols should be utilized on each procedure prior to obtaining additional views. Program technical factors by interrogating computer console and responding with inputs that will result in the parameters of pulse form, pulse sequence, slice profile, etc. as was determined in step two above. Monitor the examination by checking computations, performances and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer-generated data and images. Perform clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer. Record computer data on film, magnetic tape, laser disc, and plotter paper as needed. Collect, collate and combine images with patient data and prepare for physician evaluation. Perform technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer, disc drives, console, imaging devices, etc. Maintain a clean and neat work area. Maintain operations log, maintenance and service reports. Maintain files on patient, computer data, and technical parameters of each examination. Coordinate daily schedule and consult with other hospital physicians, clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to next day and future day's availability for patient examinations. Perform or monitor safety checks on patients, employees and visitors to comply with FDA safety standards. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm with Rotation and On Call\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #:24382-F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]