A Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) performs a range of standard, but complex echocardiographic examinations. The MIT Echo Technologist identifies, and digitally records anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant conditions using cardiac ultrasound imaging and simultaneous Color Doppler techniques. The use of non-standard views may be necessary for obtaining complete diagnostic images.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Identifies and record anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant conditions using ultrasound imaging and simultaneous Doppler techniques. Uses non-standard views may be necessary for obtaining complete diagnostic images. Alters imagining techniques to accommodate such variables as limited patient mobility, variation in physical condition or size of the patient, and ultrasound characteristics of different tissue densities. Produces diagnostic quality images and Color Doppler frequency recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, and Doppler ultrasound. Uses contrast media to assist in enhancing wall motion, shunts, and valvular function as needed. Receives patients, explains the procedure and performs the exam comprehensive diagnostic exams based on the of cardiac disorders and associated symptoms. Records and interprets the exam data obtained and presents information in order to present a preliminary diagnosis to the interpreting physician. Participates with the physician during the interpretation and reporting of the results. Operates and troubleshoots the ultrasound machine. Assists in scheduling and the coordination of patient flow. Work Schedule: Intermittent - Intermittent employment is defined as non-fulltime employment in which employees serve under an excepted or competitive service appointment without a regularly scheduled tour of duty. A position with an intermittent work schedule is sporadic and unpredictable so that a tour of duty cannot be regularly scheduled in advance. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. 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. 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". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. 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: GS08 Experience: In addition to the basic requirements candidates must possess 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 echocardiography examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display, and colorflow Doppler imaging. Knowledge of normal echocardiographic findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases. Ability to perform complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the four chambers of the heart and valves using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, and pericardial effusion and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves, etc. Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive) transthoracic, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, (invasive) stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography. Ability to adapt transducer positioning, instrument controls, and examination techniques to the individual patient being studied and the problem being evaluated including recognizing pertinent abnormalities and documenting abnormal findings. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27- Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard, Appendix D - Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography)

Education

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.

Contacts

• Address Jerry L Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital 11201 Benton Street Loma Linda, CA 92357 US
• Name: Erin Youngman
• Phone: (480) 492-0605
• Email: [email protected]