Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Department of Veterans Affairs seeks an Echocardiography Technician with advanced thoracic anatomy knowledge to support cardiovascular imaging and record-keeping. You will adhere to regulations and provide high-quality echocardiography services, identifying anomalies and ensuring accurate documentation.

GS-9 level responsibilities may include leading or supervising staff, with desirable certifications (CCI RDCS or ARDMS RDCS) and BLS/ACLS competencies. English proficiency is required.

Qualifications

• Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Experience related to echocardiography procedures and supervision.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and policies.

Responsibilities

• Identify and record anomalies from echocardiography imaging.
• Perform advanced echocardiography services with quality control.
• Adhere to departmental, hospital, agency, and national regulations.

Skills

Communication

Supervision

Staff development

Education

No formal education requirements

Tools

CCI RDCS or ARDMS RDCS (desirable)

Job description

The Echocardiography Technician has advanced knowledge of thoracic anatomy and physiology related to cardiovascular function. They are responsible for adhering to all departmental, service, hospital, agency, and national regulations and policies. They identify and record anomalies indicative of disease, injury or other medically significant condition from ultrasound imaging and simultaneous recordings of the Doppler.

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.
• 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.
• English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 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

Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) GS-9

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 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 experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of echocardiography services. In addition, 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 Echocardiography.
• *2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• *4. Ability to manage and supervise employees.
• *5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training.

Certification.

Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable.

Preferred Experience:

1 year of completing adult echocardiograms. Registry preferred.

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.

Physical Requirements:

The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to set up and take apart equipment and apparatus; lifting and repositioning patients; and pushing or pulling heavy objects such as oxygen tanks and/or equipment. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate echocardiography procedures.