Echocardiography Technologists identify and record abnormalities indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant conditions by ultrasound imaging utilizing 2/3 -Dimensional, M-mode and Doppler techniques. Produce quality, diagnostic images. Incorporate the causes and results of a variety of symptoms and conditions into a plan of ultrasound diagnostic examination.

Duties

Echocardiography Technologists change and develop techniques to accommodate such variables as limited patient mobility, variation in physical condition or dimensions of the patients, and the presence of implanted prosthetic material or foreign objects. The cardiac sonographer performs administrative functions and teaching functions for the echocardiography laboratory. The cardiac sonographer has the knowledge of thoracic anatomy and physiology as related to cardiovascular function and disease. Most echocardiography technologists will be registered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS). Triages inpatient procedure requests on a daily basis. Ensures that inpatient exams are completed in a timely manner. Produces diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, two- dimensional, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display, and color flow Doppler imaging. Performs 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. Conducts cardiac testing to determine the presence and severity of cardiac problems, e.g. valvular dysfunction, myocardial wall motion abnormality, pericardial effusion, endocardial lesions etc. Performs diagnostic quality images and data analysis using M-mode, 2-D, and Doppler imaging. Performs complementary ultrasonic examinations transthoracic, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, (invasive) stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography. Maintains knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and great vessels, knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias and their relationship to hemodynamic conditions of the cardiac cycle, and knowledge of basic cardiac ultrasound physics and the acoustic mechanisms by which high quality cardiac images are obtained. Adapts 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. Sets up and adjusts the ultrasound equipment to operate for standardized, routine procedures, and for more complex, but standardized procedures. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in the operation of equipment to ensure accurate results. Interacts with patients to explain procedures. Positions patients for procedures. Monitors patients' condition during procedures. Reviews pertinent patient information in patient's electronic medical record. Sets up equipment for transesophageal echocardiograms. Performs in the role of a technologist during transesophageal echocardiograms, and pharmacologic and exercise stress echocardiography. Acquires echocardiographic studies with intravenous contrast agents. Advises cardiologist, radiologist and/or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Maintains knowledge of normal echocardiographic findings, abnormal findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases. Accurately documents information in the medical record. Functions as a technical expert in the operation, calibration and maintenance of the specialized equipment in the echocardiography lab. Performs digital image management and acts as a Super User for image storage systems. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the cardiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that treatment based on diagnosis may be initiated in a timely manner. Maintains adequate supplies. Performs routine clinical housekeeping duties. Practices safe procedures and participates in quality assurance activities for the Cardiology Section or Medicine Service as appropriate. Assume duties as an EKG/Vascular Technician performing a full range of electrocardiography procedures, e.g. Holter application and scanning, event monitor application and monitoring, electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG), and nuclear and non-nuclear treadmill studies when patient workload demands or staffing shortages occur. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 8:00AM-4:30 PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. Licensure or Certification: 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 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. 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. 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: 1. Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and great vessels. 2. Knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias and their relationship to hemodynamic conditions of the cardiac cycle. 3. Knowledge of basic cardiac ultrasound physics and the acoustic mechanisms by which high quality cardiac images are obtained. 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: No certification or registration is required at this level. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. Assignment: Echocardiography technician assignments at this level involve performing routine, standardized cardiac ultrasound examinations under the supervision of a fully qualified cardiac sonographer. The work involves generating adequate gray scale images to define cardiac borders and learning to perform Doppler integration of cardiac valves for determination of flow velocities. 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 echocardiographic examinations. *In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to scan transthoracic echocardiograms in all views with colorflow and some Doppler. 2. Ability to conduct cardiac testing to determine the severity and variety of cardiac problems, i.e., valvular dysfunction, myocardial wall kinesia, effusions, endocardial lesions, etc. 3. Knowledge of the set-up for transesophageal echocardiograms. 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 more complex, but standardized procedures. Certification: No certification or registration is required at this level. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. Assignment: At this level, medical instrument technicians (echocardiography) perform a range of standard, but complex, echocardiographic examinations with responsibility for calibrating all instruments prior to the procedure. They are expected to keep an accurate record of tests, daily logs, and videotapes. They maintain cidex logs. 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 echocardiography examinations in complex and unusual cases. *In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. 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. 2. Knowledge of normal echocardiographic findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases. 3. 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. 4. Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive) transthoracic, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, (invasive) stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography. 5. 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: No certification or registration is required at this level. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. Assignment: This represents the full performance level. Echocardiography technicians at this level identify and record anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant condition from ultrasound imaging and simultaneous recordings of the Doppler. They incorporate the causes and results of a variety of symptoms and conditions into a plan of ultrasonic diagnostic examination. They change and develop sounding techniques to accommodate such variables as limited patient mobility, variation in physical condition or dimension of the patient, presence of prosthesis or foreign objects, and ultrasonic response of different body parts. They produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, and Doppler ultrasound. Preferred Experience: Registered or registry eligible and /or completed an accredited cardiac sonographer program and/or one year of clinical experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: Light lifting/under 15 pounds, light carrying/ under 15 pounds, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, specific visual requirement to see computer screen, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors and hearing. Environmental factors include constant noise, working closely with others and working alone.

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 Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 4815 North Assembly Street Spokane, WA 99205 US
• Name: Jovita Murphy
• Phone: 253-583-3850
• Email: [email protected]