The Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician will assess and diagnose medical conditions using imaging equipment to include equipment upkeep, creating images and communicating with other medical staff. Independently perform standard examinations, follow Radiologist protocol of patients when performing their Procedures. Evaluate the nature of critical and emergency procedures, and rearrange patients scheduled to accommodate them. Maintain records of patients examined.

Duties

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Duties include but are not limited to: Advise radiologist or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Perform ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities, retroperitoneal space for acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Participate in the training of physicians, students, and radiology technicians so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Perform routine clerical procedures for maintaining accurate ultrasound records. Assist the radiologist in the performance of cyst punctures, aspiration biopsies, and catheter placements for diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques. Make multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results. Review new developments in the field and recommend those that would improve the operation of the section. May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations as needed. Maintain adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Develop and maintain patient prep procedures so that the patient and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations to minimize procedure delays. Explain the procedures to the patient so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood. Gather related information so that correlation of examinations to other studies can be made by the radiologist in diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for their medical disorders. Operate multi-image camera for ultrasound examinations so that future ultrasound examinations may be compared. Assist quality assurance technologists in performing quality assurance testing on the ultrasound unit using phantoms, test tools, test checklists, etc. for assuring peak performance of the ultrasound equipment. Perform or supervise routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. Must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the ALM Hospital and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000/Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

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. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. 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. The Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also 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). Grade Determinations:GS-9: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-8), which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. Specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services. Examples of experience include 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-systemic shunts, etc.; ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled; and ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the requirements listed above, candidates must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA). 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. Preferred Experience: 1 year ultrasound experience Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard GS-649 Series. The full performance level of this vacancy is 09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 09. Physical Requirements: Moderate Lifting/carrying (15-44 pounds), Straight pulling (2 hours), Pushing (4 hours), Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking/standing (4 hours), kneeling (2 hours), Repeated bending (2 hours), both legs required, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Both eyes required, Hearing (aid may be permitted or without).

Education

There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation.

Contacts

• Address Audie L Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard San Antonio, TX 78229 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]