Summary

This job involves operating MRI machines to create detailed images of patients' bodies for diagnostic purposes at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

The role requires working with patients to explain procedures, ensuring safety during scans, and maintaining equipment.

It's a good fit for someone with experience in radiology who enjoys helping veterans and has strong technical skills in medical imaging.

Key Requirements

United States citizenship (or non-citizen appointment under VA policy)
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT)(R)
Advanced ARRT certification in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for GS-10 level
Completion of at least 24 months of accredited post-high school training in diagnostic radiologic technology (certificate or associate's degree)
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (e.g., GS-5 for GS-6), including patient safety, equipment troubleshooting, and basic imaging techniques

Full Job Description

This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), position is assigned to Diagnostic Imaging at Madison, WI VHA.

**Applicants that apply who don't meet the requirements for GS10 ($84,959 to $110,441) may be selected for a GS05 - GS09-See below.

GS 05 pay range: $56,061 to $72,880 GS 06 pay range: $59,428 to $77,256 GS 07 pay range: $64,443 to $83,778 GS 08 pay range: $71,368 to $92,775 GS 09 pay range: $78,827 to $102,481 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.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-05; Basic Requirements: None beyond the basic requirements. See below.

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), and 7407(d).

Certification: As a basic requirement, you 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.] (Documentation must be provided) Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's 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)?

Applicants must submit a copy of transcripts.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-6 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-5) grade level.

Experience includes performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature; explaining exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards; troubleshooting equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment; reporting major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives, and assisting higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations.

In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure; Knowledge of anatomy and positioning; Knowledge of all patient safety procedures; Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment; Ability to learn basic computer functions.

GS- 7 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-6) grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

Experience includes performing a substantially full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues.

In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system; Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study; Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam.

limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard or fluoroscopic procedures; Knowledge of the function of computed radiography, Phosphor cassettes and CR readers; Knowledge of PACS, and basic computer skills.

GS-8 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-7) grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

Experience includes providing services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services.

In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed; Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

GS-09 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-08) grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level?

Experience consists of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.

In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures; Knowledge of techniques for gathering 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; Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

GS-10 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-09) grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

Experience consist of 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.

In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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. Major Duties:

The DRT will provide professional care 100% of the time within the specialized assignment.

This position is expected to be fully flexible in support of the needs of the facility and assignments may include both regular tour and off-tour responsibilities in providing routine and non-routine clinical care.

The duties and responsibilities of the DRT are listed below beginning at GS 05 level to GS 10 level.

They include but are not limited to the following: Duties: Understands basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.