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 in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.

Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) is highly desirable. 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).

02Grade Determinations

Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-08, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic echocardiography examinations in complex and unusual cases.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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 Echocardiography. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.

Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels Ability to manage and supervise employees. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training 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.

03Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Major Duties included but are not limited to: Independently performs Nerve Conduction studies (NCS) according to laboratory, ASET and AANEM protocols and standards on various nerves at appropriate locations and intensities as would be required by the medical history and symptoms. Recognizes limb temperatures and/or applied lotions/creams on the patient and takes steps to eliminate potential issues with acquiring satisfactory procedure data.

Assists staff physicians when performing the needle exam portion of the EMG. Consistently performs high quality studies for complex and non-routine procedures in difficult and demanding environments such as intensive care units and at the patient's bedside. Assists in performing EEGs and Epilepsy Centers of Excellence (ECoE) duties as needed following the appropriate standards set forth by the EEG lab and ACNS. Assists in performing EPs as needed. Assists with EEG research projects.

Independently operates a variety of neurodiagnostic equipment to administer routine and specialized diagnostic treatment during procedures. Conducts routine maintenance and adjustment checks on the equipment. Recognizes and troubleshoots equipment failures. Understands the typical patient reaction to the neurodiagnostic procedure being performed and know signs of patient distress.

Interacts with other healthcare professionals to discuss the indications, value, possible outcomes, review of prior study results, and limitations of testing. Communicates both orally and in writing with patients, visitors, interdisciplinary and a variety of healthcare professionals. Coordinates with schedulers to fill gaps in the schedule with pending patients. Calls scheduled patients to provide reminders of upcoming appointments as the schedule allows. Other Duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized