Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Martinsburg (WV); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Martinsburg, WV seeks a Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) to perform a full range of ultrasound examinations and assist radiologists with procedures.

The role requires independent judgment and the ability to work in ICUs, ER, and other areas, including evenings, nights, and on-call shifts. Experience at GS-08 level and knowledge of complex ultrasound techniques are essential.

Qualifications

• One year of experience equivalent to GS-08 grade level.
• Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examinations across multiple body areas.
• Experience assisting radiologists with biopsy procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform full range of diagnostic ultrasound examinations (abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, scrotum).
• Perform vascular studies and assist in procedures like biopsies and fluid aspirations.
• Work independently on evenings, nights, weekends, or on call as required.

Skills

Ultrasound examination

Vascular studies

Biopsy assistance

Independent portable ultrasound

Job description

The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) Diagnostic Ultrasound position is located within Diagnostic Imaging service at the Martinsburg West Virginia VA Medical Center. The MIT coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity, and initiative in the application of non-ionizing high frequency ultrasonic waves to humans for diagnosis of disease in the clinic or on the inpatient unit.

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: 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".

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.

Grade Determinations:

GS-0649-09 Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Experience:

One year of experience of the assignments and knowledge, skills and abilities, equivalent to the GS-08 grade level. (GS-08 assignments and knowledge, skills and abilities listed below)

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

GS-08 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

In addition to meeting the experience required for the GS-09 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

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) as a registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level.

Preferred Experience:

Vascular and General Diagnostic experience, ARDMS preferred, RVT preferred.

Reference:

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

Physical Requirements:

Position requires long periods of standing and walking, some bending, lifting, and carrying of moderately heavy items; Requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions; Ability to reach above shoulder required; Both hands and use of fingers required; Must be able to lift, carry and move heavy equipment/patients routinely.