Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

About the role

This vacancy is open to Current Permanent VA Nationwide employees, Federal Employees of other Agencies, and U.S. Citizens.

This is an open continuous announcement until September 30, 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered/referred on a not less than bi-weekly basis.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures, and rearranges patients scheduled to accommodate them.
• Advises radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination.
• Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest, and extremities, retro-peritoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders.
• Participates in the training of physicians, students, and radiology technologists so that these individuals may acquire understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams.
• Maintains accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall patient examinations may be achieved. This requires maintaining a diagnostic log, patient schedule log, and procedure log, editing and when necessary, registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS).
• Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results.
• Determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings based on radiologic findings.
• Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section.
• Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies.
• Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations.
• Explains examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well do any requirements of the patients 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.
• Gathers related information such as electronic medical record in CPRS, previous imaging exams out of Vista imaging so that correlation of examinations to other studies may be made by the radiologist in diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders.
• Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation often exams.
• Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. This is done so that when sterile procedures are required in the ultrasound area, there is minimal possibility of cross contamination due to unsanitary conditions.
• Performs or supervises quality assurance testing on the ultrasound unit using phantoms, test tools, test check lists, etc. for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the ultrasound equipment.
• Maintains records of the quality assurance testing so that easy reference is available should servicing be necessary on a weekly basis.

Requirements

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.
• Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• 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-09

• Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.
• 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.
• 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.
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• Ability to manage and supervise employees.
• Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training.

Certification. 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.

Qualifications

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.
• Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• 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-09

• Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.
• 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.
• 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.
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• Ability to manage and supervise employees.
• Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training.

Certification. 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.