Summary

The Medical Instrument Technician assumes full responsibility and professional responsibility for planning and directing the work of the ultrasound section. This is a non-supervisory position. Incumbent works under the general direction of a Physician or radiologist who specializes in Diagnostic Ultrasonography and the supervisory technologist. On most assignments - technicians work independently.

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 Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English
• Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation
• however - it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge - skills - and abilities
• For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments - specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations"
• For all specialties identified in this standard - Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable
• Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition
• 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-9: Positions at this grade may be lead - supervisory - or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments
• Diagnostic Ultrasound Technicians operate diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions
• Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS)
• In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level - positions at this grade may be lead - supervisory - or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments
• Experience
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level - which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled - and must fully meet the KSAs at that level
• This would be specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• KSAs 1 - 2 - and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level
• KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment
• 1
• Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures - to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects - and to write policies - procedures - and protocols that pertain to diagnostic ultrasonography
• *2
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements
• 3
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels
• *4
• Ability to manage and supervise employees
• *5
• Ability to provide - or provide for - staff development and training
• Certification
• Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable
• (d) Assignments
• For all assignments above the full performance level - the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope - complexity (difficulty) - and range of variety - and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time
• 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-09
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-09
• Physical Requirements: There is a combination of potentially extended periods of standing - walking - and lifting of items weighing up to 20 pounds such as portable grids - x-ray cassettes - computer paper boxes - etc
• Incumbent must be able to travel to the distinct treatment areas with ease.

Duties

• Diagnostic Ultrasound Technicians duties include providing diagnostic ultrasound technician services in more complex cases
• reviewing and managing recommendations regarding new and emerging procedures
• providing instruction and training to new staff
• interviewing candidates for positions
• recommending selections - advancements - promotions
• and identifying educational
• or training needs
• Other Duties include - however - not limited to: Advises radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination
• Performs independently ultrasound examinations of the abdomen - neck - chest and extremities - retroperitoneal space - pelvis - GYN - including Aorta's for acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders
• Provides the training for radiology technicians - and medical residents so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams
• They also will serve as sole clinical instructor for the local college for ultrasound students for our facility
• Performs routine clerical procedures as necessary to include calling patients the day prior to remind them of their appointments and describe any exam prep required
• Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results
• Based on radiologic findings - determines necessary ultrasound procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings
• Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section
• Assists the radiologist in the performance of cyst punctures - aspiration biopsies - and catheter placements for diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques
• This requires the use of surgical sterile techniques - syringes - needles - contrast - etc
• Develops protocols - preparation instructions - and SOPs that maintains patient prep procedures so that patients - nurses understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations to minimize delays of examinations
• These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation
• Explains examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood
• This is done so that an adequate ultrasound study may be obtained to assure diagnostic examinations for treatment and diagnosis of disorders
• Obtains written consent whenever necessary (interventional - e.g. - biopsy - aspiration - etc.)
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00AM - 4:30PM Functional Statement #: 54142F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized