Med Instrument Tech (Echocardiography)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Department of Veterans Affairs in Michigan is seeking a Cardiac Echocardiography Technician at the full performance level. The incumbent identifies and records anomalies from ultrasound imaging with Doppler, and integrates findings into ultrasonic diagnostic plans.

Qualifications emphasize 1 year of echocardiography experience, ability to interpret results, and strong problem-solving skills. The role requires US citizenship and travel as needed, with BCLS preferred.

Qualifications

• 1 year of echocardiography experience.
• Ability to interpret ultrasound results and provide preliminary findings.
• Preferred BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification.
• U.S. citizenship required per VA policy.

Responsibilities

• Identify and record anomalies indicative of disease or injury using ultrasound with Doppler.
• Incorporate causes and results of symptoms into a plan of ultrasonic diagnostic examination.
• Produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler recordings using M-mode, 2D, and Doppler techniques.
• Record and interpret exam results and provide information to the interpreting physician.

Skills

Ultrasound imaging

Doppler techniques

Cardiac anatomy & physiology

Independent clinical judgment

Problem-solving

Tools

M-mode ultrasound

Two-dimensional imaging

Doppler frequency recordings

Job description

The Cardiac Echocardiography Technician at this level function at the full performance level. Echocardiography technicians at this level identify and record anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant condition from ultrasound imaging and simultaneous recordings of the Doppler. They incorporate the causes and results of a variety of symptoms and conditions into a plan of ultrasonic diagnostic examination. 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 in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
• 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-8 Medical instrument technician:

Experience: AAt least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

GS-08

• Identifies and record anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant conditions using ultrasound imaging with Doppler as indicated.
• Incorporate the causes and results of a variety of symptoms and conditions into a plan of ultrasonic diagnostic examination.
• Change and develop sounding techniques to accommodate such variables as limited patient mobility, variation in physical condition or dimension of the patients, presence of prostheses or foreign objects, and ultrasonic response of different body parts.
• Produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, and Doppler ultrasound in complex and unusual cases.
• Has the intimate knowledge of thoracic anatomy and physiology as related to cardiovascular function.
• Performs complex exams using independent judgment in apply knowledge of clinical cardiology and ultrasound, and Doppler principles
• Problem-solving skills to ensure exam is comprehensive and accurate.
• Records and interprets exam results and provide information/or possible diagnosis to interpreting physician.

Certification

No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support)

Preferred Experience

3 YEARS experience in TEE, Stress echo including Dobutamine, Structural heart (TAVR), and echo enhancing agent use. ARDMS or CCI certified

Must possess a valid and unrestricted state driver's license. (Please DO NOT provide driver's license. We may not accept pictures. This requirement will be verified during interview.)

Reference

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

This position is at full performance level.

Physical Requirements:

The incumbent must be able to travel to treatment areas with ease. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Radiation is utilized in the Nuclear Medicine Lab. The incumbent will be responsible to comply with all aspects of the Radiation safety program.