The Ultrasound Technologist coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative in the application of non-ionizing, high frequency ultrasonic waves to humans for diagnosis of disease in the clinic or on the wards. 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. 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. [No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English]. Grade Determinations: Specialized Experience-GS-09 Have one (1) year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-08), 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. Preferred leadership experience in mentoring and instructing employees on various assignments and other duties as assigned and certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) is required. 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-systemics hunts, 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. 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 diagnostic ultrasonography.*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.Preferred Experience: Registration by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) as a Registered General Abdominal Sonographer, registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Sonographer(RVS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) is highly desirable. 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). Grandfathering Provision. The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all Title 38 Hybrid qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation. All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. References: VA Handbook 5005/54 PART II APPENDIX G27 Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["The incumbent performs ultrasonography studies and prepares the processed media for interpretation by the Staff Radiologist. Ultrasound studies performed include the following: - Abdomen o Liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, abdominal aorta, vena cava and femoral arteries using bi-stable and gray scale real time techniques to evaluate the structures for size, abnormal contour, cysts, tumors and various pathological disorders. - Retroperitoneum/Renal o Kidneys, adrenal glands, nodes, and urinary bladder using bi-stable and gray scale real time techniques to evaluate. - Pelvis o Urinary bladder, uterus, ovaries, scrotum, and prostate to be examined with Transrectal Transducer and recorded. - Thyroid - Veins/ Arteries o Echo venous exams (DVT studies), carotid arteries, popliteal arteries Functional Statement # 52043F FLSA Status: Non-Exempt BUS Code: 1272 2 The incumbent will perform percutaneous punctures as directed by the radiologist to perform studies localizing fluid filled areas under ultrasound and employ sterile technique as indicated for punctures and biopsies. Schedule and prepare patients for exams and explain procedures to the patient while performing the studies. Obtain pertinent diagnostic examinations for the physician, which may be necessary for correlation between the ultrasound scan and the clinical history.. Differentiate artifacts from normal or pathological processes and recognize electronic equipment limitations. Recognize a diagnostic scan and consult with the Staff Radiologist to determine the proper diagnosis. Provide training to student ultrasonographers from affiliated programs and facilities for the attainment of established program objectives. Practice hospital safety, radiation safety, infection control and universal precautions at all times in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental procedures. Perform picture archival duties. The technologist captures computerized images, applies an algorithm, configures the image and verifies patients information before transmitting them to the picture archive system (PACS). This procedure requires the technologist to have a general knowledge of computer operations. Image manipulation and transmission is critical in computerized ultrasonography; lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the images. Be responsible for the quality assurance of images (positioning, labeling, technique, network information) prior to transmission to the PAC's network, and routing of exams for transmission to off-site locations. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM Participate in the rotating on-call schedule to provide service during after-hours, weekends, and holidays Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 52043F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]
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