Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Functional Statement #: PD61648F. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and recruitment/relocation incentives not authorized.

About the role

The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) performs daily operation of standard and complex ultrasound equipment, including paperwork and computer responsibilities in the Ultrasound areas. The incumbent works closely with technologists, radiologists, clinicians, the Chief Technologist, and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of daily activities, high-quality diagnostic/therapeutic exam results, and patient satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Performs technical and administrative work in support of Radiology/Imaging Services under the direction of the Lead Diagnostic Ultrasound Tech or Chief Technologist/Imaging Program Administrator.
• Reports issues to QI committee and management; evaluates equipment to ensure safe operation; oversees employee and patient safety screening processes.
• Serves as operator of Ultrasound system and accessory equipment.
• Provides patient care appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of adult and/or geriatric patients.
• Uses various ultrasound probes to obtain images and monitors patient during all phases of the examination until completion of data acquisition.
• Monitors the examination by checking computations, performances, and results of the selected protocol to obtain the best diagnostic computer-generated data and images.
• Maintains equipment malfunction and downtime log.
• Maintains examination log, computer data, and technical parameters on each examination.
• Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand proper preparations for Ultrasound examinations to minimize delays.
• Evaluates equipment to ensure it is safe for Ultrasound operation.
• Maintains scanners, transducers, imaging station, and all other equipment needed for daily activities.
• Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or other physicians.
• Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate.
• Transfers patients from stretcher or wheelchair to imaging table.
• Transports patients when needed to ensure timely procedures.
• Prepares room, equipment, and materials needed for patient procedures.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Basic Requirements

• Citizenship: Citizenship of the United States (non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g).
• Education: No specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels.
• Licensure or Certification: Not required, but strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For certain functional areas at higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated under "Titles and Certification/Registrations."
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a.
• Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date (June 7, 2012) of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification that are part of the basic requirements. Employees who do not meet all basic requirements but met qualifications at time of appointment may be reassigned, promoted up to the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade, but may not be promoted beyond journey level or placed in supervisory/managerial positions. Temporary appointees prior to the effective date may not have appointments extended or be reappointed until they fully meet basic requirements. Employees who subsequently obtain additional education/licensure/certification meeting all basic requirements must maintain required credentials as a condition of employment. If an employee leaves the occupation, protected status is lost and full VA qualification standards in effect at time of reentry must be met.

Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) – GS-08

• Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level demonstrating knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position. This experience must provide