Medical Instrument Technician - Diagnostic Ultrasound

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. Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation.

Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. 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". Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) GS-9 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. 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 the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) with certification in Sonography or Vascular Sonography, or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), preferably in AB or VT.

Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable.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

In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.

Preferred Experience

2-3 years of employed diagnostic general and advanced vascular ultrasound 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 09.

Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties include but are not limited to: Radiology Diagnostic Ultrasound General and Vascular Technologist has the responsibilities for the coordination and performance of the patients assigned to their room. Works closely with the technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic exam results, and patient satisfaction.

Charged with the responsibility to ensure that their assignments are carried out in a prompt and effective manner, as well as helping when required. Ensures that the Radiology Service's goals, objectives, and work plans are carried out and communicated to the Ultrasound team. Works with all levels of management and executes actions, which will guarantee high quality imaging. Monitors the performance and assures that the utmost quality of care is delivered in the US section.

Performs difficult to complex Diagnostic Vascular and General Ultrasound examinations. Ensures optimum quality Diagnostic General and Vascular Ultrasound Imaging for the interpretation by the radiologists. Filmless Radiology methods (PAC's Picture Archiving Communication System) are utilized when performing the examinations and for archiving the examinations. Demonstrates competencies in all diagnostic general ultrasound and vascular ultrasound.

Function as a proctor for the Upstate Medical school of allied health ultrasound technology program's students, and staff to provide requirements for clinical training for entrance to the ARDMS boards. Gathers related information such as patient electronic chart, PACS images., so that correlation of examinations to other studies may be made by the radiologist in diagnosis and treatment recommendation for medical disorder(s).

Performs complex vascular ultrasound examination of the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to ensureaccurate results. On the basis of radiologic findings, determines necessary ultrasonicprocedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. Uses independent interpretation of the ultrasound image.

Advises radiologists, vascular physician or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing the examination. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information in a timely manner to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams.

Maintains accurate ultrasound records for easy recall access to include maintaining a diagnostic log, patient schedule log and procedures log; editing and when necessary registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Maintains adequate supplies and equipment. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized VISTA system as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface.

Performs digital transfer of images from the various ultrasound imaging systems to the PACS. Assists quality assurance testing on the ultrasound unit to ensure peak performance of the ultrasound equipment and maintains quality assurance records. Performs housekeeping duties to assure the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary and uses aseptic techniques in examination process. Stays current on changing and new developments in the field. Provides staff and student training on ultrasound procedures/processes.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Protects sensitive and electronic files that must be safeguarded under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHS policy.

Preferred Experience

2-3 years of employed diagnostic general and advanced vascular ultrasound experience. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00181-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized.