The Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) operate diagnostic equipment to graphically record the position and motion of the heart walls or the internal structure of the heart and neighboring tissue by the echo obtained from beams of ultrasonic waves directed through the chest wall. The MIT conducts basic equipment maintenance, performs quality control measures, reports abnormal findings to physicians, and completes other administrative, technical or clerical tasks as required.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. GS-9 Grade Requirements: Experience. Must have at least 1 year 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. This would be experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of echocardiography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 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 Echocardiography. *2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *4. Ability to manage and supervise employees. *5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification: Registration 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) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Major duties: Performs all cardiac ultrasound examinations independently of the cardiac circulatory system (heart and surrounding structures) for the purpose of acquiring high quality ultrasounds that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient's medical disorders. Demonstrates skill in obtaining trans-thoracic echocardiograms in all views based on protocol. Obtains color flow and Doppler images and measurements as defined by protocols. Proficient in performing complementary ultrasonic examinations (non-invasive and invasive) such as transthoracic, bubble studies, contrast echocardiography, stress echocardiography, Dobutamine stress echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiocraphy. Adjusts TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality through utilization of knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body. Uses knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties as well as knowledge of zoom, expansion, color flow Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler in the daily performance of ultrasound imaging in order to ensure optimal imaging results. Interacts and communicates with the patient, using knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy and physiology, to obtain a brief history and physical pertinent to cardiovascular disease with familiarity of the associated signs and symptoms. Explains examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study, as well as, any requirements of the patient is thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate ultrasound study may be obtained in an effort to get diagnostic examinations for the purpose of treatment and diagnosis of disorders. Properly sets up ultrasound equipment for standard, routine, and semi-complex procedures. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient. On the basis of radiologic and clinical findings, determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. Abides by and follows procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations. Understands and follows the preparation of patients for procedures (pharmacologic stress/exercise stress exams) and TEE. Advises cardiologist or the referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing the examination. Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. Also following RME policy for critical, semi-critical and non-critical equipment cleaning. Responsible for being aware of and practicing the safety policies/procedures of the medical center, and participating in quality assurance activities as directed. Maintains knowledge of Joint Commission and regulatory standards in order to ensure compliance and achieve objectives. Schedule inpatients and outpatients as needed. Adaptable and willing to learn new technology and techniques. Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf 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)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience 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) Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Suitable Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required