As a Medical Instrument Technician - Diagnostic Ultrasound in the Imaging department, the incumbent performs noninvasive examinations to aid the radiologist and physician/care team with proper diagnosis and treatment of the Veteran. The incumbent independently operates diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two-dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: The technician is trained to work in a strictly operator dependent modality (sonography). Performs diagnostic ultrasonic scans of internal organs and body structures. These scans are performed on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, vascular, abdomen, and small parts. The technician performs vascular ultrasound examinations (aortic, extracranial, extremities, etc.) and must have complete and thorough knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy of the carotid arterial, peripheral arterial and venous system. Possesses the knowledge and skills needed to access the patient electronic health record, review diagnosis and laboratory results to assess order(s) for appropriateness of exam or procedure (i.e. arterial vs. venous, etc.) The technician operates a complex ultrasound automated system and auxiliary components, e.g. A-mode, B- mode, Doppler, real-time modalities (sector and linear scanners), transducers, etc. Proper transducer selection and equipment control manipulation of amplitude will be varied by the technologist in accordance with the body part, pathology, and structure under study and is solely recognized and manipulated by the technologist as an impending factor upon the validity of the study. Accurately annotates images (i.e. correct organ, correct plane, right vs left, etc.). Interprets the exam results to provide the radiologist with a preliminary diagnosis evaluation. Alerts the physician of any significant scans requiring their immediate attention. Demonstrates ability to provide all measurements of various parameters of the studies performed including stenosis measurements, percent of degree of stenosis measurements, pathological volume and size, vessel motion, and any other measurements required, relevant to the successful interpretation of the diagnostic examination by the radiologist. Consults with radiologist to establish requirements for non-standard examinations. Independent of over-the-shoulder supervision. The technician exercises judgment in making various oblique, transverse and/or sagittal scans; scans and searches organs for abnormalities, interprets sonographic image while it is being generated. Independently determines technical factors, positioning, and number of images. Independently operates computer-based equipment (i.e. Parks Flo-lab analyzer, Picture Archive Communications System (PACS), computer, etc.) Reviews and prepares ultrasound requests and works collaboratively with schedulers to schedule appointments for efficient patient flow and equipment utilization. Inputs pertinent information into computer. Registers, requests, cancels, and edits exams via the computer radiology information system (RIS). Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend and understand. Explains any requirements of the patient in order for an adequate study to be performed. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Assesses each patient's limitations (i.e. vent patient, nursing home care, psychiatric, etc.) modifying procedure to meet patient's needs while obtaining images needed for diagnostic interpretation. Performs Quality Control procedures and tests for diagnostic ultrasound, as needed. Troubleshoots equipment used in ultrasound procedures. Performs minor routine preventative maintenance as required. Recognizes and reports major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to supervisor and/or Biomed service representative. Monitors equipment repair process and performs operational check prior to patient use. Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Work Schedule: Wednesday-Thursday-Friday 7:00am-5:30-pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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 in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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 of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. Grade Determinations: Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-7)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. GS-7 level experience includes the following; 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: Knowledge of zoom, expansion, prospectus, color Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler: Knowledge of the digital transmission of images: Ability to alter standard, but complex procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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, portalsystemic shunts, etc. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations Certification: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-8. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address St Cloud VA Medical Center 4801 Veterans Drive St Cloud, MN 56303 US
• Name: Kira Fischer
• Phone: 3193380581 X636737
• Email: [email protected]