Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 68,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) for the El Paso VA Health Care System in Las Cruces, NM.

You will perform a full range of diagnostic ultrasound examinations, including abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, and vascular studies, and may work portable exams in ICU/ER as needed. Qualified candidates will have substantial ultrasound experience and demonstrate professional communication with staff across levels.

Qualifications

• No formal educational requirements; education may be substituted for experience at GS-4/GS-5 levels.
• Licensure or certification is not required but desirable (BCLS/ACLS).
• Experience in diagnostic ultrasonography across multiple areas is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic ultrasonography across abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, breast, thyroid, scrotum, and vascular studies.
• Provide supervised and independent examinations including portable ultrasound in ICU, ER, and OR as scheduled.
• Maintain high standards of patient care and adapt to varying tour schedules and on-call duties.

Skills

Diagnostic ultrasound

Independence in scanning

Team collaboration

Job description

The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) position is assigned to the El Paso VA Health Care System (EPVAHCS), Radiology Service, Diagnostic Ultrasound section in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Diagnostic ultrasound uses specialized imaging equipment that emits high frequency sound waves and captures detailed images of the body's internal anatomy. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement,10/09/2026.

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. Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs.
• 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. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition.
• Physical Requirements. Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.
• English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 Part II Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a.

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 core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments.

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. Perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures. Perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required. Also work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call. 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.

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.

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:

• Hands-on experience performing diagnostic medical sonography across multiple subspecialties, including abdominal, small parts, musculoskeletal, and vascular imaging
• 2 years experience in both clinic and hospital setting

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-9.