Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Summary

The Medical Instrument Technician is responsible for performing a wide range of diagnostic ultrasound exams within the Diagnostic Imaging/Radiology Service. The Ultrasound Technician (Sonographer) independently operates specialized ultrasound equipment in both departmental and portable settings, using expert judgment to produce and evaluate high-quality images for diagnosing medical conditions.

Duties

• Operate diagnostic ultrasound equipment to produce cross-sectional and two-dimensional images for medical diagnosis
• Perform a wide range of routine and complex ultrasound exams independently
• Prepare exam rooms, equipment, and required materials for patient procedures; ensure supplies are stocked
• Properly verify patient identity using two unique identifiers and explain exams clearly to ensure patient understanding
• Absorb patients with safe transfers from stretchers or wheelchairs to exam tables using approved handling methods
• Set up and adjust ultrasound equipment, making multiple simultaneous technical settings to obtain optimal images
• Enter accurate patient information in HIS/RIS systems, annotate images correctly, and ensure proper image orientation before PACS transmission
• Assist radiologists with cyst punctures, biopsies, aspirations, and catheter placements using sterile technique
• Comply with all OSHA, SOARS, ALARA, and Joint Commission safety procedures; report injuries and unsafe conditions promptly
• Follow HIPAA, Privacy Act, and computer security policies; protect sensitive patient information and use PKI encryption when required

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday
(The first position will have 8am-4:30pm)
(The second position will have 2:30pm-11:00pm)
(Work hours are subject to change based on agency needs)

Benefits

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
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)

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: MRTs (Coder) must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• 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. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable.
• Education: 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/.