Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography)

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.

01Basic 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 as required by 38 USC 7401(d), 7407(d).

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 Determination GS-8 Level: At least one full year of experience as a Medical Instrument Technician - (Echocardiography) comparable to the next lower level (GS-7) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position.

This would be experience which provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic echocardiography examinations in complex and unusual cases.

The following KSAs must be demonstrated: Ability to produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display, and colorflow Doppler imaging; Knowledge of normal echocardiographic findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases; Ability to perform complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the four chambers of the heart and valves using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, and pericardial effusion and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves, etc.; Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive) trans-thoracic, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, (invasive) stress echocardiography, and trans-esophageal echocardiography; Ability to adapt transducer positioning, instrument controls, and examination techniques to the individual patient being studied and the problem being evaluated including recognizing pertinent abnormalities and documenting abnormal findings.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

02Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

DUTIES: Performs diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, 2-D, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display and color flow Doppler imaging. Performs complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the 4 chambers of the heart and valves using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, and pericardial effusion, thrombus and pressure gradients across obstructed valves. Performs Dobutamine and exercise stress.

Adapts transducer positioning, instrument controls and examination techniques to the individual patient and to the problem to be evaluated. Monitors patient's condition during procedures and reports significant findings according to policies and procedures. Accurately documents information in the medical record and any other clinical or administrative applications. Is proficient in the operation, calibration and maintenance of the specialized equipment in the ECHO suite.

Completes encounters on all ECHOs performed, using the correct CPT codes, diagnosis, Service connection status and other field as required and assists management in overall encounter practices in ECHO suite. Communicates effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels, patients and their families, and customers from outside facilities. Assists in the development of new policies and procedures that pertain to the echocardiography suite.

Assists the scheduling MSA in determining appropriateness of consults, triage and priority when needed. Independently maintain competence with Peripheral IV insertion for contrast use in Echo studies. Be sufficiently familiar with cardiac related symptoms, cardiac auscultation results, medical terminology, and other pertinent diagnostic tools in order to assess possible areas of cardiac abnormality or rule out or validate a suspected diagnosis.

Analyze echo tomograms to obtain a diagnostic quality echo by adjusting the position of the patient's body, adjusting respiratory rate, and probe position as well as machine controls to obtain at least one diagnostic quality heart cycle in a given projection. Echo exams are operator (rather than equipment) oriented. Recognize serious problems diagnosed from echo tracings. Exercise professional judgement in order to determine when an emergency exists requiring immediate medical intervention.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 0730 - 1600 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:10455F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized