Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vascular Medical Instrument Technician provides specialized, high-quality diagnostic services by applying advanced vascular ultrasonography techniques and supporting physicians in clinical settings. The role combines technical expertise, patient care, laboratory management, and supervisory guidance to ensure accurate diagnosis, safe procedures, and optimal patient outcomes.

The preferred candidate is one with BCLS and or ACLS as well as Registration.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate knowledge of vascular anatomy and pathology.
• Experience with Doppler ultrasound imaging and waveform analysis.
• Prefer certification in BCLS/ACLS and registration in allied health field.

Responsibilities

• Apply vascular ultrasonography techniques for diagnostic purposes.
• Support physicians in clinical settings to ensure accurate diagnosis.
• Manage laboratory processes and provide supervisory guidance as needed.
• Ensure patient safety and integrity of imaging data.

Skills

Vascular anatomy knowledge

Doppler ultrasound

Transcranial Doppler

Image optimization

Data interpretation

Education

BCLS Certification

ACLS Certification

Registration

Tools

Ultrasound equipment

Transducers

Job description

The Vascular Medical Instrument Technician provides specialized, high-quality diagnostic services by applying advanced vascular ultrasonography techniques and supporting physicians in clinical settings. The role combines technical expertise, patient care, laboratory management, and supervisory guidance to ensure accurate diagnosis, safe procedures, and optimal patient outcomes.

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.

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.


• Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable.

The preferred candidate is one with BCLS and or ACLS as well as Registration.

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 basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

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.

GS-8 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of cross-sectional and longitudinal vascular anatomy in normal and abnormal vessels, anatomical planes and tissue structures, physiologic effects of disease entities that impact the vascular system, signs and symptoms of acute and chronic vascular disease, and the characteristic appearance of aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, thromboses, stenoses, occlusions, AV fistulae, and morphology of atherosclerotic plaque formulation.


2. Ability to provide Doppler information of peripheral vessels; demonstrate characteristic differences related to the organs they supply; accurately quantify carotid artery stenoses; and identify and correlate specific waveform analysis, plethysmographic tracings, velocity changes, and pressure gradients characteristic of normal, obstructed, or occluded vessels or grafts.


3. Ability to perform intracranial (transcranial) vascular examinations.


4. Ability to operate the instruments to extract the highest quality image utilizing the appropriate transducer frequency, Doppler angle, focal zones, gain, depth, color map, wall filter, and sample volume.


5. Ability to provide objective data to document progression or regression of disease.

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 include specialized experience as an anesthesia technician which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to provide all aspects of anesthesia technician services including specialized duties. 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

KSAs 1 through 6 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 7 and 8 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment.

1. Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing procedures to include maintenance, calibration, and quality control procedures. This includes the ability to perform these lab tests accurately and correctly.


2. Advanced knowledge of electronics and anesthesia equipment with skill in repairing and maintaining this equipment and repairing complex problems.


3. *Comprehensive knowledge of central venous and pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheterization procedures including measuring cardiac outputs and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation procedures (i.e., balloon pump).


4. Knowledge and ability to assist with airway management techniques.


5. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.


6. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.


7. *Ability to manage and supervise employees.


8. *Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training.

Preferred Experience

1 year experience in Vascular Ultrasound

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

• a) Lifting, turning, transferring patients on a bed, stretcher, or wheelchair.


• b) Moving ultrasound equipment on wheels (weighing up to approximately 500 pounds).


• c) Use of upper extremities, at times with prolonged arm or hand positions for scanning.


• d) Fine motor skills/dexterity to manipulate transducers and utilize computers.


• e) Adequate visual acuity, as the majority of procedures are performed in a dimly lit room.


• f) Adequate hearing acuity to detect very high frequency flow or very faint Doppler signals.


• g) Ability to work in close proximity to others, sometimes in a distracting environment.


• h) Standing/sitting up to 6 hours/day; Stooping/bending & Pushing/pulling <1 hour a day.