Medical Instrument Tech (Ultrasound and Vascular Ultrasound)

Company: Veterans Health Administration
Location: Salt Lake City
Posted on: April 9, 2021

Job Description:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement,04/08/2021 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. 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. 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. Grade Determinations GS-06: 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 In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to receive and interpret physician requests for routine, standardized ultrasonography procedures.
2. Knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body to adjust TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality.
3. Knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties.
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 Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable.
Assignment At this level, medical instrument technicians (diagnostic ultrasound) perform examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They position the patient as needed for the best test results, set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the condition of the examination and patient, move and adjust depths and types of scan in accordance with procedures, perform operator preventive maintenance and care of equipment, and assist higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations. GS-07:
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 diagnostic ultrasonography examinations. At this level the medical instrument technician (diagnostic ultrasound) performs complex, standardized procedures independently. They have the knowledge to alter procedures, equipment settings, transducers used, etc., to accommodate patient needs and still produce a quality image for diagnostic purposes. They will also be required to assist with the performance of more complicated procedures and non-standardized procedures in a developmental capacity.
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. 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.
2. Knowledge of zoom, expansion, prospectus, color Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler.
3. Knowledge of the digital transmission of images.
4. Ability to alter standard, but complex procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations.
Certification
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. GS-08 :
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 ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. 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.
2. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc.
3. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled.
4. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. Certification
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable.
Assignment This represents the full performance level for medical instrument technician (diagnostic ultrasound). At this level the technician is required to perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures. They perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required. They also work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-06 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over); moderate carrying (15-44 lbs); straight pulling (up to 0.5 hour); pushing (0.5 hour); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 4 hours); standing (up to 4 hours); repeated bending (up to 4 hours); both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13"to 16"; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; specific visual requirement; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing without aid; rotate trunk side to side; tactile sensations (hot/cold); rotate forearms; and sit for 50+ minutes; no pacemaker. Environmental factors are: constant noise; unusual fatigue factors (on call requirement); working closely with others; working alone; protracted or irregular hours of work and magnetic fields/radiowaves.

Keywords: Veterans Health Administration, Salt Lake City , Medical Instrument Tech (Ultrasound and Vascular Ultrasound), Healthcare , Salt Lake City, Utah