Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Veterans Administration (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an ultrasound professional to operate diagnostic ultrasound equipment, perform complex exams, and conduct vascular studies in a patient-care setting.

The role emphasizes adapting during procedures, collaborating with physicians, and following regulatory standards to ensure high-quality imaging and patient safety.

Qualifications

• There are no formal educational requirements for this occupation; education may be substituted for experience at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels.
• Licensure or Certification is not required, but is desirable at GS-6 or above.
• Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable.
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements and ability to communicate professionally across grade levels.

Responsibilities

• Operate diagnostic ultrasound equipment and perform a wide range of routine and complex exams.
• Conduct vascular studies and modify the examination as needed during the procedure.
• Collaborate with physicians and healthcare team to ensure accurate imaging and documentation.
• Adhere to regulatory standards and participate in performance improvement initiatives.

Skills

Ultrasound procedures

Communication skills

Training and supervision

Education

No specific education

Tools

Ultrasound equipment

Job description

This position works directly with patients and Physicians and operates equipment that uses high-frequency soundwaves to take images and scans of the body's internal organs. Incumbent will operate diagnostic ultrasound equipment both in the department and in the portable setting. This position independently performs a wide range of routine and complex ultrasound exams and vascular studies; recognizing the need to make modifications during the 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.

Citizenship:

Citizenship of the United States

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.

Grade Determinations:

Experience:

At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels

Preferred Experience:

• 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.

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-09.

Physical Requirements:

T his position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. The position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing, and reaching over head. The incumbent must be able to stand and move for extended periods of time.