Clarification from the agency

US Citizens

The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) independently performs examinations of the neck, thorax, abdomen, vessels, and extremities. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies to aid in the diagnosis of and treatment of patients. Incumbent evaluates the nature of critical / emergent procedures, and rearranges patients that are scheduled to accommodate them. Maintains records and files of patients examined. Cross-indexes interesting cases for teaching purposes. Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

- Ensures correct machine techniques to maximize imagery to include color or doppler manipulation
- Monitors, safeguards, and recognizes when changes of equipment or procedures might be necessary to obtain anatomy /pathology that is necessary for proper diagnosis.
- Advises Radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination.
- Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities, retro peritoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders.
- Performs ABI or Segmental Pressure studies. The purpose of this examination is to accurately diagnose blood flow into the extremities.
- Participates in the orientation of physicians, students and radiology technologists so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams.
- Establishes a good rapport with clinicians and Radiologist that are dependent on their skill sets.
- Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved.
- Schedules patients as appropriate when considering the patient history and urgency for the examination.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 800am - 430pm, on call requirements from Monday - Friday, 430pm - 730am and 24 hour call coverage for weekends
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• 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

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.
• Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
• There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions.
• 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. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations".
  Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable, but not required. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable, but not required.

Grade Determinations: To qualify at the GS-08 advanced grade level, you must possess at least one (1) year of specialized 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. Specialized experience is defined as, but is not limited to, experience that demonstrates the ability to perform all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services on multiple areas of the body; knowledge of examination and treatment procedures and techniques, providing a full range of procedures for which standard instructions may not also be available, providing independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care unit, emergency room, surgery and other areas of the medical center as required, capable of working alone and independently on off tours, such as evening, nights and weekends where assistance is not readily available, assisting radiologists with biopsy procedures, surgical procedures and fluid aspirations, performing vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal systemic shunts and other studies, and also performing diagnostic ultrasound examination on areas such as the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast and scrotum.

Preferred Qualifications: Registered Vascular Technologist/Vascular Technology (RVT/VT) Certification, Abdomen (AB) Certification and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Certification as provided by the American Registration for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician GS-0649 Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.

Physical Requirements: Regular and recurring physical exertion; long periods of standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and similar activities around storage areas. Lifting supplies up to 50 pounds to shelves or carrying to other areas.

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.

NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate's education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will recommend grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.

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.