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Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) operates and performs a variety of complex, specialized, noninvasive diagnostic vascular ultrasound examinations at the Fargo VA Health Care System in the Medical Imaging Department.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open date: 08/25/2021
Closed date: 10/29/2021
Location
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$31,520 - $62,894 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 4 - 8
Promotion potential
8
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Intermittent
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Other
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Announcement number
CBSY-11214966-21-JM
Control number
612126100

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Duties

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The incumbent operates and performs complex, specialized general diagnostic ultrasound exams utilizing the application of non-ionization high frequency waves and for diagnosis of diseases, other pathology, including MSK pathology. Duties include, but aren't limited to:

  • Gathers relevant medical information: patient history, previous x-rays, or previous exams related to diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders.
  • Advises radiologist or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Provides coverage for surgeon in the operating room if necessary.
  • Performs complex, specialized Duplex (B-scans, Doppler and ABI) examinations of vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, portal-­systemic shunts, carotid, abdominal and other peripheral arteries and veins. 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.
  • Performs complex musculoskeletal ultrasound of the wrist, elbow, shoulder, knee and hips, ankle for pathology and physiological effects of disease that impact the patient's well-being.
  • Makes multiple gain, frequency settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to ensure accurate results. Determines necessary vascular ultrasound procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings based on clinical signs and symptoms.
  • Completes all required education and maintains competencies related to scheduling of patient appointments.
  • Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate same day services.
  • Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section.
  • Develops and maintains patient preparation procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for general and vascular ultrasound examinations to prevent delays of examinations. These preparations are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation.
Work Schedule: Intermittent shifts will typically cover a 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM work schedule, Monday - Friday, but may cover other shifts as organizationally needed
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to a background/security investigation
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination programs are requirements for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

Qualifications

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. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part 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.
  • English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a,
Preferred Experience: Advanced Certification from ARMDS or ARRT
Grade Determinations:
GS-4 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 position to be filled. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
  2. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used.
  3. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress.
  4. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted.
  5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Or you may qualify at the GS-4 grade level based on Education:
GS-4 Education.
Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation.
Assignments. At this level assignments are trainee in nature. The medical instrument technician trainee is performing limited routine assignments of a developmental nature under close supervision.

GS-5: 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 position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  1. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions.
  2. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment.
  3. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities.
  4. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures.
  5. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine.
OR you may qualify at the GS-5 grade level based on Education: Education. Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions.
Assignment. Medical Instrument Technicians (Trainee) at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area. Such duties would be performed under closer supervision.

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 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  1. Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to receive and interpret physician requests for routine, standardized ultrasonography procedures.
  2. Knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body to adjust TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality.
  3. Knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties.
  4. 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.
  5. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure.
Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable.
Assignment. 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-7: 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. This would be experience which provided the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized diagnostic ultrasonography examinations. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  1. 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.
  2. Knowledge of zoom, expansion, prospectus, color Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler.
  3. Knowledge of the digital transmission of images.
  4. Ability to alter standard, but complex procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations.
Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable.
Assignment. 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.

*Qualification requirements continued in Education section below.*

Education

GS-8: 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. This would be experience which provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities1. 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.2. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc.3. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled.4. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations.
Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable.
Assignment. This grade level represents the full performance level for medical instrument technician (diagnostic ultrasound). 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.

References: VA Handbook 5005 /15, Part II, Appendix G27 and VA Handbook 5005 /54, Part II, Appendix G27The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand, sit and work with continuous use of hands and arms for scanning purposes. Patient transfer using approved hospital devices and methods. Standing, walking, pushing hospital gurneys and wheelchairs. Bending, moving and positioning ultrasound equipment, probes.

Work Environment: Work is performed in a health care setting. Work may involve exposure to infection and possible contagious diseases. Standard precautions and isolation techniques will be employed as indicated. There is occasion where response to physical and/or verbal abuse by patients requires knowledge gained from ongoing violence in the workplace training. Working conditions include: outside and inside work, exposure to radiant energy, constant noise (machinery/equipment), working around hazardous machinery with moving parts, working closely with others.

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information


Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise - "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?

The Fargo VA Health Care System (VA HCS) is a Level 2 Medical Center and a member of Veterans Integrated Service Network 23. This facility is currently operating 77 beds, A 24 bed medical surgery Unit, a 10 bed Mental Health unit, a 5 bed Intensive Care Unit and a 38 bed Community Living Center which provides transitional care, accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Fargo also has a Veterans Affairs Benefits Office on campus, offering Veterans the unique opportunity to obtain health care, benefits services, and Readjustment Counseling at one location. Due to the growing Veteran population, ten Community Based Outpatient Clinics have been established. The Fargo VA HCS provides a wide spectrum of primary, tertiary acute and extended care inpatient and outpatient activities in an academic setting. The Fargo VA HCS has an active research program and a successful affiliation with the University of North Dakota, School of Medicine.

Agency contact information

Jacqueline Moberg
Phone
515-699-5999 X25698
Email
Jacqueline.Moberg@va.gov
Address
Fargo VA Medical Center
2101 Elm Street
Fargo, ND 58102
US

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