Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Please Note: Training/Orientation for this position must be done at the Minneapolis, MN VA Medical Center

This position is located at the Rochester Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Diagnostic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes..

Qualifications:

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. 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". 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

• Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-8), 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.
  • Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum.
  • Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc.
  • Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled.
  • Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations.
• 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.

Preferred Experience: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) and Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) preferred or American Radiologic Radiographic Technologist (ARRT). Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified

References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G27

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Responsibilities:

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Duties include but are not limited the following:

• Performs in a hospital or clinic setting all ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized.
• Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient
• Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam
• The spectrum of examination performed includes abdomen for tumors, cysts, abscesses, hematomas, inflammatory lesions, such as pancreatitis and sizes of organs and their location, evaluations of the vasculature to evaluate abdominal aortic aneurysms, deep venous thrombosis, carotid artery blockages, renal artery stenoses
• Responsible for obtaining pertinent diagnostic examinations through knowledge of both normal and abnormal human anatomy.
• Knows and understands the principals of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan which includes preparation and supplies, scanning motions, TCG (Time Compensated Gain), zoom or expansion, hard copy, picture-oriented examination, organ-oriented examination and initial interpretation of the examination
• Interpreting the examination requires identifying normal and pathologic appearances. Pathologic appearances include: intraluminal echoes that shadow, polyp, carcinoma, thick wall, size, obstructing lesions, common duct stone, tumor, benign strictures, texture, solid mass, cystic mass to name just a few.
• Advises radiologist or referring physician of critical/acute results of exams in a timely manner.
• Maintains records of patients treated, exams performed, scans taken etc and submits these to the supervisor for monthly data collection
• Provides performance-related information to the Ultrasound Supervisor and/or Chief Technologist relating to work and workload data of the Ultrasound Section.
• Maintains records of patients examined, examination performed scans taken and technical data used
• Performs other related duties such as but not limited to answering telephones, checking voice messages, scheduling patients, inventories, PACS database reconciliations, room utilization, equipment maintenance records, reject analysis, and productivity studies.
• Will perform other duties as assigned within the hospital and clinic.

Work Schedule: Varies/Intermittent - will be communicated during interview process
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Salary : $57,118 - $74,250