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  • Beckley, West Virginia, Summary The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) functions as a member of a highly specialized - highly autonomous team responsible for the day-to-day processes and activities that impact the Radiology Department and the providers who utilize diagnostic MR services to diagnose and treat patients at Beckley VAMC. Independently performs routine to very complex MRI studies. Specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy - complex computing - and physics to complete these types of studies is required. 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) Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years - or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title - series and grade held - including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard - but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it - the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification - may be reassigned - promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level - or changed to lower grade within the occupation - but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed - on a temporary or permanent basis - until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation - who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21 - 1986 - and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed - in writing - by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1 - 1987 - is considered fully qualified These employees may be promoted - changed to lower grade - or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d) Grade Requirements: Specialized Assignments: 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 for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 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 described at that level Examples of assignments and knowledge - skills and abilities (KSA's) at the GS-08 grade level include but are not limited to: Assignment: Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues KSA's: 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 Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities - GS-09 level: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *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 Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Duties Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties include but are not limited to: The incumbent performs MRI and will discuss any case that deviates from normal protocol set by the radiologist Only general supervision from a radiologist or supervisory technologist is required in most instances - although some extremely difficult procedures require close consultation with a radiologist or medical officer Follows standard operating procedures to perform MRI/MRA of the head - brain - vascular system - extremities - spine - internal organs - joints - and bones for purposes of diagnosing complex conditions - disease - or injury routinely undetectable through alternate imaging modalities Occasionally deviates from standard procedures to adapt for deformities of body injuries - and other variable considerations such as age and weight of patient Operates complex radiology computer equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients Sets up the scanning suite Assures that sterile supplies - local anesthetics - contrast materials - catheters - and other required equipment are present and laid out Selects and sets technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures Determines technical factors - sets controls - and operates equipment Determines technical factors to obtain diagnostic exam results - sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified is optimally imaged using MR technology Receives assignments that require application of standard and non-standard procedures and seeks advice or the assistance of a radiologist when questions or uncertainty about a scan arises Interprets requests or instructions from radiologists or medical officers Must possess the knowledge and skills to adequately communicate the details of a patient examination or situation and act on verbal guidance or instructions provided by the radiologist Performs patient management activities - which may involve assistance with gowning a patient Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures Independently explains procedures - and positions patients for a variety of very difficult procedures Responsible for ensuring that no patient enters the scanning suite with a condition that may cause injury to the patient - employee - or equipment Technologist may be required to perform initial telephonic screening of patient for conditions/criteria that would deem patient unsuitable for MR exam At time of appointment - technologist will perform final screening of patient in an attempt to determine if a patient has any condition/criteria (type of metallic implant or foreign metal body) that may cause injury or death upon entering the high strength magnetic field of the scanner Administers contrast materials intravenously under the supervision of a radiologist Provides an assessment of the patient's condition throughout the patient's stay in the department and responds appropriately when a patient's condition falls below the baseline assessment of what is stable Maintains electronic records such as daily log of patients - statistical reports - and images files Performs image management - data archiving and the case editing of examinations upon completion of each scan Maintains permanent record of scans in digital archive Work Schedule: FT - Monday - Friday - 8am - 4:30 pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade) 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) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience 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 of a child Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 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 #: 517-24029-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
  • San Juan,, Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. 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 English Language Proficiency: Medical Dosimetrists must be proficient in spoken and written English See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f) Education: Effective January 1 - 2017 - candidates are required to hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and graduate from a medical dosimetry program of at least 12 months in duration The medical dosimetry program must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) - or other accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education JRCERT is the accrediting agency for the medical dosimetry programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education Exception: Candidates who graduated prior to January 1 - 2017 - are considered to have met the basic education requirement provided they meet all Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) requirements and are in good standing Certification All applicants must be certified in medical dosimetry by the MDCB Certified Medical Dosimetry (CMD) is the recognized credential for Medical Dosimetrists NOTE: CMDs who perform therapeutic radiologic technologist duties must also possess ARRT(T) certification and be assigned to a functional statement that combines both types of work NOTE: The Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 - P.L 97- 35 requires persons who administer Therapeutic Radiological procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R § 75 They must have completed an educational program meeting or exceeding the standards described in that regulation and be accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or be a Radiation Therapist certified in medical dosimetry 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-12 Experience: At this level - candidates must possess at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level Experience include but not limited to: developing accurate and deliverable complex treatment plans and image importing for fusion during the planning process Medical Dosimetrists will contour critical structures and tumor volumes They provide input of radiation safety practices - quality standards and abide by all governing bodies and standard operating procedures In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical (Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities) KSAs: Knowledge of the care and use of radioactive resources for implementation and treatment delivery Skill at effective communication and leadership as demonstrated by providing orientation and training for staff - providing input for yearly appraisals - directing progress and coordination of workload - and ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures and directives to provide continuity of care Skill in providing guidance and expertise related to all aspects of the treatment planning process Skill to independently perform complex treatment procedures as evidenced by completing tasks such as developing and troubleshooting highly complex isodose treatment plans delineating critical structures and tumor volumes - performing weekly chart checks - performing QA verifications and providing training on all aspects of the Record and Verify System such as Mosaiq or Aria Ability to resolve complex physical and geometric errors in radiation equipment - simulation procedures and treatment delivery implementation Ability to follow protocols including - but not limited to developing and implementing policies and standard operating procedures - participating in research programs - ensuring compliance with the radiation safety office - national program office - and accrediting agencies - and following established quality standard measures Ability to apply a broad range of specific methods of radiation measurements including - but not limited to - diode - ion chamber - thermoluminescent dosimeter - or film measurement as directed by a qualified Medical Physicist and perform or assist with the QA procedures as directed by a qualified Medical Physicist Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of sitting and computer work There is some bending - light lifting and light carrying - under 15 pounds Some walking and standing is needed to verify patient position during simulation. Duties The medical dosimetrist utilizes extensive knowledge and training to produce acceptable treatment plans following the prescription of the radiation oncologist The recognition of critical structures - beams at different energy levels - the behavior of numerous tumors - the tolerance level of radiation in the different regions of the human body - and the ability to independently generate multiple treatment plans utilizing various combinations of wedges - boluses - and blocking techniques are critical to this position Duties include but are not limited to: Developing accurate and deliverable complex treatment plans and image importing for fusion during the planning process Contour critical structures and tumor volumes Provide input or assistance with the use or necessity of ancillary treatment devices - patient immobilization techniques and other patient positioning techniques as needed for simulation or treatment Assists with computed tomography (CT} simulation in a competent and courteous manner - and provides instruction as needed Ensures CT scans are promptly delivered to dosimetry for image formatting to assure smooth patient flow Import diagnostic imaging studies from multiple media types and image fusion utilizing CT - magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - and positron emission tomography (PET) - positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) for complex treatment planning Delineate and accurately contour critical structures and tumor volumes utilized for development of a deliverable treatment plan through an in-depth knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and all diagnostic imaging modalities Utilize computer treatment software to develop an accurate deliverable complex plan (e.g. - 3D conformal - intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) - Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT) - and stereotactic techniques) - dose limitation to critical structures - Record and Verify software - and quality assurance (QA) methods following the directive outlined by the radiation oncologist Work Schedule: 7:00 AM -3:30 PM (Monday-Friday) Telework: This position is eligible for ad-hoc/situational telework at the discretion of management Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 61273F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive Contact VHAV08SAJCCOE@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Learn more
  • Memphis, Tennessee, Summary The Radiation Oncology Service is a part of the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. - VA Medical Center - Memphis - TN. The incumbent will perform CT treatment planning scans for treatment planning/tumor localization - compensators and customized patient immobilization devices. This is achieved by the use of a CAT scanner. Deliver the prescribed therapeutic radiation for the purpose of cancer therapy. These treatments are performed by operating a Linear Accelerator. 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 Education Individuals must have successfully completed a program in therapeutic radiologic technology - evidenced by a certificate or an associate's or higher degree accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or other accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the subsequent completion of a 12-month ED accrediting body-approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R Part 75 They must have successfully completed an educational program meeting or exceeding the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the ED - and be radiation therapists certified by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (T) Certification All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)) Loss of Certification Once certified - a TRT who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may result in termination of employment 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) Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held - including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard - but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it - the following provisions apply: Employees in an occupation not requiring a licensure/certification/registration - may be reassigned - promoted or demoted within the occupation Employees in an occupation requiring a licensure/certification/registration - may be reassigned - promoted up to and including the full performance level - or demoted within the occupation - but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions Employees in an occupation requiring a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher-grade levels Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed - on a temporary or permanent basis - until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation - who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation NOTE: Each uncertified TRT permanently employed on June 21 - 1986 - and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed - in writing - by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1 - 1987 - is considered fully qualified These employees may be promoted - up to and including the journey level - demoted or reassigned within the GS-0648 occupational series Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Therapeutic 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 Assignments: For all assignments above the full performance level - the higher- level duties must consist of significant scope - complexity - range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time Employees at this level serve as advanced staff TRTs independently carrying out procedures which have varying assignments This includes basic and advanced treatment modalities and procedures - which exceed the full performance level Employee will be assigned the responsibility of emergency on-call treatments - if applicable - and perform simple Monitor Unit calculations Other assignments include but - are not limited to performing CT simulations - troubleshooting for basic problems and machine issues - maintaining treatment rooms and equipment in a clean - neat and safe condition and assisting patients to and from the treatment room Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment - the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge - skills and abilities to perform at this level In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSA's): Skill in independently performing machine warm up procedures and interpreting output levels compared with established thresholds adhering to the principles of radiation safety and all aspects of quality assurance Ability to independently perform patient chart reviews using an electronic medical record and the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems Ability to independently perform all basic and complex CT simulations - including independently operating the CT equipment - following directives - designing custom immobilization for reproducible set-ups - obtaining optimal imaging - completing accurate data transfer for treatment planning and providing accurate and precise patient documentation Ability to utilize a Linac's On Board Imaging system to interpret complex images Preferred Experience: Two (2) years of Therapeutic Radiation Technology experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-10 to GS-10 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service. Duties This vacancy will remain open until filled The incumbent will be expected to give oversight - training and encouragement to lower grade therapists Duties include - but are not limited to: Schedules treatments in a manner as to optimize accelerator times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate simulation and treatment Performs quality control of the treatment machines by taking recorded readings every morning prior to patient treatments using the dosimetry verification and record system for each energy level Obtaining machine check for rotational therapy and electronic dynamic wedge verification Performs daily imaging procedures to ensure correct operations Alerts appropriate staff as necessary if parameters fall outside the recommendations Identifies individual patient by the required identification methods set forth by hospital policy and departmental procedures before simulation and each daily radiation treatment is delivered Ability to determine the appropriate timely sequence for patient studies and any special orders required Verifies patient consent prior to initiating CT simulation Prepares required contrast materials that are to be used for treatment simulations Ensures proper use and administration of the contrast materials to avoid the risk of patient morbidity and mortality - therefore it is essential that the therapist has a thorough understanding of contrast material usage Must be alert to patient's condition and other disorders Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient Properly operates CT simulator - provides reproducible patient treatment position sets-ups That can be accurately used for daily treatments on the Linear Accelerator After CT scan is acquired and isocenter or reference point is obtained - the therapist will provide set-up DDR's for use in treatment planning and transfer the data set to the dosimetry treatment planning system Verifies patient's treatment area daily in the treatment machine vault Performs simulation verification before prescribed treatment Accurately reproduces initial (simulation set-up - with proper patient positioning - immobilizing devices - to ensure proper alignment and quality treatment Obtains isocenter verification - treatment field verification of conformal blocking - with multi-leaf collimator - or cerro-bend blocking Obtains isocenter verification as needed by the use to cone bean CT and or the use of the on-board imaging system Verifies correct multi-leaf collimation and electronic dynamic wedges Delivers prescribed mode of treatment in accordance with prescribed radiation prescription This included conventional - 3-D conformal - electron delivery - IMRT treatment delivery - IGRT treatment delivery - and Rapid Arc treatment delivery Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients - staff - and self - in compliance with department and VA radiation safety procedures to maintain occupational exposures \"as low as reasonable achievable\" (ALARA) This is achieved by the use of lead-lined treatment room walls - cornered doorways - distance management - and conscientious accident-free beam-on times Assists patients to and from the treatment room - as well as in transferring on and off the treatment table as necessary Utilizing all patient transfer aids The ability to work as a contributing and cooperative part of the radiation oncology team - communicating and interacting with all team members in a tactful - respectful and professional manner Thus contributing to the effective operations of the workplace and continued development of a collaborative working relationship with all colleagues Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday- Friday - 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 50862-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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