Career Center

The incumbent will provide services in specialized areas of Ultrasonography and/or general Ultrasonography services to assist in treatment of patient diseases or injuries. Performs technical work in support of Ultrasound under the direction of a physician and operate ultrasound equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. 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. 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 as required 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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: GS- 6: Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to receive and interpret physician requests for routine, standardized ultrasonography procedures. Knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body to adjust TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality. Knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties. Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for standardized, routine procedures. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure. At this level, medical instrument technicians (diagnostic ultrasound) perform examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They position the patient as needed for the best test results, set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the condition of the examination and patient, move and adjust depths and types of scan in accordance with procedures, perform operator preventive maintenance and care of equipment, and assist higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations. GS -07: Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for more complex, but standardized procedures. Knowledge of zoom, expansion, prospectus, color Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler. Knowledge of the digital transmission of images. Ability to alter standard, but complex procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations. At this level the medical instrument technician (diagnostic ultrasound) performs complex, standardized procedures independently. They have the knowledge to alter procedures, equipment settings, transducers used, etc., to accommodate patient needs and still produce a quality image for diagnostic purposes. They will also be required to assist with the performance of more complicated procedures and non-standardized procedures in a developmental capacity. GS-08: Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. 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 -09: Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Ability to manage and supervise employees. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Preferred Experience: Incumbent should be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARMDS). Must have extensive knowledge of general, reproductive, and small parts anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, the peripheral arterial, venous and lymphatic systems and respective pathologies. Must have a thorough understanding of the normal anatomic pathways and mechanisms of blood flow patterns that can be altered by all the various diseases which affect the cardiovascular system. Diagnostic evaluation of extremity lesions with regard to the distinction between ulceratios due to arterial insufficiency and those due to venous insufficiency is required. Must be able to discern the effect of these anatomic and physiologic patters of blood flow on the various vascular testing procedures. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-9. Physical Requirements: This position may require heavy lifting, 45 lbs. or more. It may require standing for long periods of time, as well as pushing and pulling (stretchers, portable units). It also requires walking, kneeling and repeat bending. At times this position will require the ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. It requires working closely with others, working alone and irregular hours of work. ["Some duties include: Performs in a hospital setting all ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. Performs a wide range of Diagnostic Abdominal Ultrasound examinations to include but not limited to the: Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Appendix, Spleen, Kidney's , Bladder, Aorta, Portal vein, Doppler studies of blood flow to and from the major organs, this includes imaging of the scrotum and testicles. Performs Ultrasound examinations of female patients that include pelvis to include both transabdominal and transvaginal imaging of the Vagina, Uterus, Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes, and surrounding anatomy, and imaging of the Breast. Performs non-invasive Vascular Ultrasound examinations with Doppler interrogation to include but not limit to Carotids, Venous imaging of upper and lower extremities, Arterial imaging of the upper and lower extremities, graft scanning for patency and stenosis, shunt scanning, vein mapping. Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan. Controls technical factors on ultrasound unit, which will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction, and diffraction. Selects between non-focused, fixed-focus, linear phased array and annular phased array, transducers depending on the examination and the anatomy to be imaged. Advises Radiologist or referring physician of results of exam. Maintains effective control of the Ultrasound area by coordinating, planning, organizing and executing the daily work potential to expediate workflow patterns within the departments. Enters patients into the Computerized Patient Record System. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8-4:30pm, Including mandatory on-call rotation\nTelework: Not Available\nFunctional Statement #: F02467\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]