Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Perry Point (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

VA Maryland Health Care System at Perry Point seeks a Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) to operate ultrasound units and obtain diagnostic images for patient care. Under general supervision, you will provide guidance for invasive procedures to diagnose and treat disease within the facility.

The role may require performing a full range of procedures, including independent examinations in ICU, ER, and other areas, and assisting radiologists with biopsies.

Qualifications

• No specific educational requirements for this occupation; education may be substituted for experience at GS-4 and GS-5 levels.
• Certification such as ARDMS/CCI is desirable at higher levels.
• English language proficiency required for communication.
• Grandfathering provision may apply for current VA employees.

Responsibilities

• Operate ultrasound units to obtain diagnostic images for medical assessment.
• Provide guidance for invasive procedures to diagnose and treat disease.
• Perform independent ultrasound examinations as needed and assist radiologists with biopsy procedures.
• Work under general supervision and be available for on-call, evenings, nights, or weekends as required.

Job description

The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) under general supervision operates ultrasound units to obtain diagnostic images of patients, and to provide guidance for invasive procedures to diagnose and treat disease at the VA Maryland Healthcare System, Perry Point.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.).

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 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.

Grandfathering Provision. 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).

Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 REQUIREMENTS.

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.

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)
• GS-08 Experience: 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.
• 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, portalsystemic 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.

Preferred Experience: Minimum 1 year of experience as a General Sonographer.

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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9.