Medical Instrument Tech (Diagnostic Ultrasound)
About The Position
This is an open continuous announcement until March 31, 2027. Qualified applicants may be considered and referred as vacancies become available. The position is assigned to the Ultrasound section of Diagnostic Imaging Service and performs diagnostic ultrasound procedures using non-ionizing, high-frequency ultrasonic waves. The technician exercises independent judgment and initiative in conducting examinations, prioritizing patients, and accommodating emergency requests. The role includes emergency on-call duties for off-tour patient requests. The technician coordinates and schedules examinations to optimize scanner availability while maintaining flexibility for emergencies, consults radiologists about non-standard examinations, determines technical factors and positioning, and prepares scans for interpretation. The position performs duplex Doppler and color-flow studies, abdominal and retroperitoneal ultrasound examinations, and portable real-time scans for hospitalized patients too ill to travel to the department. The technician also assists physicians with diagnostic biopsies using sterile techniques and advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results, including scans requiring immediate attention.
Requirements
- At least one year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, directly related to the duties of the position, and meeting the KSAs at that level.
- Demonstrated knowledge and comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing procedures, including maintenance, calibration, and quality control, and ability to perform laboratory tests accurately.
- Advanced knowledge of electronics and anesthesia equipment, with skill in repairing and maintaining equipment and resolving complex problems.
- Comprehensive knowledge of central venous and pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheterization procedures, including measuring cardiac outputs and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation procedures.
- Knowledge and ability to assist with airway management techniques.
- Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
- U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Pass a pre-employment physical examination and, if tentatively selected, drug screening and required background/security investigation.
- Meet VA onboarding and application-document requirements and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment after the period.
Nice To Haves
- Anesthesia technician certification through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT).
- Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
- One to three years of diagnostic ultrasound experience.
Responsibilities
- Schedule examinations to optimize scanner use while accommodating emergency cases and prioritize scheduled and emergency patients.
- Perform emergency on-call duties for off-tour emergency patient requests.
- Consult radiologists to determine requirements for non-standard examinations.
- Determine technical factors, patient positioning, and the number and thickness of scans needed to meet examination requirements.
- Perform duplex ultrasound with color-flow imaging on accessible vessels, including the abdominal aorta, IVC, hepatic vein, and portal vein.
- Perform abdominal gray-scale B-scan examinations of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, abdominal aorta, vena cava, and femoral arteries to assess size, contour, cysts, and pathological disorders.
- Assist physicians in diagnostic biopsies using sterile techniques.
- Perform retroperitoneal gray-scale B-scan studies of the kidneys, adrenal glands, nodes, and urinary bladder.
- Perform portable real-time ultrasound scans on hospital wards for patients unable to report to the department, including examinations of the gallbladder, pancreas, intra-hepatic biliary system, abdominal vessels, liver, and kidneys.
- Prepare post-processed films for interpretation by the radiologist.
- Advise radiologists or referring physicians of examination results and promptly notify them of scans requiring immediate attention.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family; specific benefits depend on position eligibility.
- Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for qualifying prior federal or military service, subject to request and approval.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
