The Eastern Colorado Veterans Health Care System, Imaging Service is currently recruiting for one (1) dual certified MRI/CT Technologist, at the Colorado Springs Outpatient Clinic, Colorado Springs, Colorado. 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 (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT) and 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. 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 Grade Determination for GS-10 DRT MRI/CT: Experience. At least 1 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: 1. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. 2. 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. 3. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. 4. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of experience in both MRI and CT and be ARRT (R)(CT)(MR) certified for one year to be fully successful at this grade level. Full Performance Level of this position is a GS-10. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Medical Technologist VA Qualification Standards Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over), heavy carrying (45 lbs and over), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (up to 8 hours), standing (up to 8 hours), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted), vision (in at least one eye, glasses are permitted). ["Duties may include but not limited to: - Performs all CT and MRI examinations on a rotational basis and general radiology examinations upon supervisory request as needed. -Performs CT examinations in multiple planes, including axial, coronal, sagittal and dynamic blood flow studies of the head and/or body. These studies include the ability to reformat CT images as directed by the Radiologist. -Performs examinations, reviews radiologists' protocol and urgency indicators, confers with radiologists to establish the requirements of nonstandard examinations, and determines technical requirements of the exam to be performed. -Reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested. If a discrepancy exists, the technologist will make an independent determination and take the appropriate corrective action or consult with the supervisor or radiologist. - Performs daily imaging suite preparation with pre-procedure calibrations on the scanner and interprets this information to determine if the scanner is within diagnostic specification. If needed, corrective action shall be taken, and a recalibration accomplished to bring the scanner values to acceptable levels. - Proficient in venipuncture for those exams requiring the administration of IV contrast and to obtain labs required pre-procedure utilizing iSTAT. - Makes independent decision on the injection flow rate and the delay time of imaging of the automated power injector based on the knowledge of the suspected pathology, and an independent assessment of the viability of the patient's vein. - Utilizes a wide variety of computerized equipment specific to CT, as well as be proficient with the use of power injector systems, patient monitoring devices, various additional accessory equipment, 3D workstations and the PACS, (IMPAX) computer viewing station software. Is proficient with the hospital computer systems such as VISTA and CPRS as well as be proficient in exam selection. - Maintains the work area with proper medical and Emergency supplies needed for optimal patient care, safety and efficiency. - Maintains all CT/MRI record keeping that is required and takes an active role in the facility and Imaging QM and Safety Programs. - Determines which protocol and sequences will be scanned based on the patient's clinical history and diagnosis. -Reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested. -Make an independent judgment to obtain additional images, perform post processing functions such as MIPs, vascular isolation, 3-Dimensional reconstructions, or perform additional post processing to achieve effectively thinner slices, or use an alternate processing algorithm to better achieve the diagnostic objective. The technologist may need to perform additional 3-Dimensional reconstructions on the 3D workstation post procedure, to further isolate vascular or other structures of interest to enhance the diagnostic effectiveness of the exam. - Determine what anatomical areas and scanner techniques will be used based on the information obtained in the patient's clinical history and interview with the patient for maximum diagnostic effectiveness. -Review the images obtained and determine if the diagnostic goal was met initially, the technologist will make an independent judgment to redo the sequence, take addition slices or alter the technique to achieve the clinical goal before the exam is terminated. - Monitors patients during and after injection to see if there is any reaction and informing Radiologist and/or Radiology nurse, or appropriate practitioners. -Utilizes appropriate Imaging SOPs, contrast administration policies, MRI / radiation safety, and additional policies and procedures. -Utilizes and completely fill out with the patients or authorized signatory person required modality specific screening forms (contrast, MRI Screening) as appropriate. -Discern implantable devices and compatibility for MRI procedures. Must be able to check with approved sites or policies to ensure such devices are authorized to continue with exams. -Performs administrative duties as assigned, to include but not limited to, orders management, image upload, creation of discs, reception desk, and the retrieval of lab results. Work Schedule: Primarily Monday-Friday Evening Shift 1:30 PM to 10:00 PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.