Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Veterans Health Administration • Grand Forks, ND

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Grand Forks, ND. The incumbent operates and performs a variety of complex, specialized, noninvasive diagnostic ultrasound examinations using doppler ultrasound, duplex sonography. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre--employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Citizenship of the United States.
• Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
• 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).
• 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.
• This would be specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 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.
• BLS certification and ARDMS

Responsibilities

• Alerts radiologist or referring physician to images of significant abnormalities that may require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination.
• Performs complex, specialized Duplex (B-scans, Doppler and ABI) examinations of the carotid, abdominal and other peripheral arteries and veins.
• Knowledge, experience with vascular flow rates, and measurement to maintain accurate vascular ultrasound records for same consistency may be achieved.
• Registers patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS) and Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Application (VistA).
• Makes multiple gain, frequency settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to ensure accurate results.
• Determines necessary vascular ultrasound procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings based on clinical signs and symptoms.
• Manually clean and disinfect non-critical reusable equipment and surfaces, dispose of one time-use equipment and trash per facility policy, and restock supplies such as linens, cleaning products.
• Interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure, recognizing disabilities or impaired mobility and assisting the patient as necessary.
• Provide briefings, and orientations to hospital staff and providers.
• Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for general, and vascular ultrasound examinations to prevent delays of examinations.
• Explains procedure to be performed to the patients clearly including: the purpose of the study, requirements of the patients, how and when results of exam will be available.
• Gathers relevant medical information: patient history, previous exams related to diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders.
• Collaborate with scheduling staff for duration of the study, rearranging patients to accommodate emergencies, emergencies add on patients and walk in clinic patients.
• Provides clinical assistance, evaluations of students and provide constructive feedback during their training.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
• Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed