Career Center

Summary

The VA Greater Los Angeles Medical Center is currently recruiting for one (1) Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) to work in Radiology/Imaging Services Los Angeles - CA. The incumbent will perform as a fully functional diagnostic radiologic technologist in the specialization of MR (100%) and operate the super conductive Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI). The technologist will assist radiologist or other medical officers to produce imaging studies used to diagnose medical conditions.

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:

• 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).] English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• 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)
• Grade Determinations: GS-10 Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technician
• 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
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes
• ii
• 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
• iii
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
• iv
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies.] Preferred Experience: Advanced ARRT certification is required for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) - Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and venipuncture certifications are required
• Reference: VA Handbook 5005/119 - Part II Appendix G 25
• For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Physical demands are usually moderate: Lifting objects up to 40 pounds - moving specialized equipment and assisting patients from gurney or wheelchair to a procedure or scan table
• Occasionally - the technician assists with moving large patients - but this is done with the assistance of other personnel - or the use of patient lifts - or other safe patient handling equipment to minimize danger to employee and the patient.

Duties

• Major duties but are not limited to: Demonstrate advanced competency in specific knowledge - skills - and behaviors and Serves as the subject matter expert to the department - and/or hospital in MRI scanning
• Ability to organize work - set priorities - delegate tasks and responsibilities with Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees - team leaders and managers
• Follows MRI safety precautions using designated zones to protect patients - visitors - and staff
• The incumbent works at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
• This position operates within the Imaging Service HCG under direction of the Radiologist - Chief of Service - MRI Supervisor - and the Chief Technologist
• The incumbent will perform MRI examinations 100% of the workweek plus additional duties as required
• Properly selects patient in HIS/RIS list on the workstation and verifies patient information by performing a timeout process prior to scanning
• Ability to identify pathology during scanning
• use professional judgement in modifying prescribed protocols - parameters - and technical factors to obtain better pathology visualization
• Must be able to work independently in performing and determining technical factors - positioning - scanning parameter selections - slice thickness - protocol adjustment - etc. - to produce high quality MR images
• Ability to reformat MRI images as directed by the Radiologist or as a part of standard procedure
• Maintains proficiency on reformatting and post processing techniques
• Prepare and administers contrast media - under the direction of the radiologist
• Follows prescribing protocols according to requested exam - contrast type - body weight - pathology and according to policy
• Follows Infection Control practices during IV insertions - maintains competencies in obtaining IV access - and contrast administration
• Basic knowledge and operations of specialized MRI ancillary equipment - such as the patient monitor - pulse oximeter - ECG - infusion pumps - oxygen/ventilator equipment to ensure appropriate functionality while being exposed to the radiofrequency
• Ability to recognize patient's and physiologic changes during the procedure and report complications and unusual events to the radiologist or patient's nurse immediately
• Learns new advancements in MRI procedures - protocols - and technology
• Evaluate and recommend new procedures to the MRI Supervisor that would improve the operation and efficiency of the section
• Assists with the evaluation of new equipment and processes
• Technologist is expected to troubleshoot equipment for error or malfunction and notify Supervisor and Biomed for immediate repair
• Must document all equipment malfunctions appropriately
• Perform service recovery as appropriate
• Responsible for the quality assurance of the MRI examination and images (positioning / label / technique / post processing / network information) prior to transmitting MRI images to PACS network
• Annual review of MRI Safety SOP
• maintains competency related to the MRI safety guidelines as set forth in the department and Medical Center - while keeping abreast with emerging MRI safety issues
• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am to 4:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000