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:

• US 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: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R)
• ADVANCED CERTIFICATION: Advanced ARRT certification is required for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination
• (COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED) 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 schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology
• (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) GS-9 GRADE REQUIRMENTS: Experience: Must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently
• DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures
• Examples of specialized experience are: Knowledge of super conducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging
• Educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors and equipment enter into
• Specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body
• Specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged
• GS-9 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, you must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 1) Ability to balance the needs of the patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• 2) Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers
• 3) Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• 4) Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• 5) Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous skills, and universal precautions
• 6) Knowledgeable in pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients
• 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)
• Preferred Experience: Prefer 1 year DRT experience, not required
• ARRT (MRI) Certification
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The employee works and functions in the medical center in a safe manner, including infection control and the correct operation of equipment
• The technologist may be required to assist in moving and positioning patients, some of whom may be disabled or combative, requiring the use of safe patient handling techniques
• The position requires reaching, bending, and lifting up to 45 pounds
• The technologist is required to meet MRI safety standards to be able to access Zone 4 for positioning and assisting the patients when necessary
• The work environment may involve exposure to communicable diseases, ionizing radiation, and emotionally distressing patient situations.