Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Veterans Health Administration • Las Cruces, NM

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) position is assigned to the El Paso VA Health Care System (EPVAHCS), Radiology Service, Diagnostic Ultrasound section in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Diagnostic ultrasound uses specialized imaging equipment that emits high frequency sound waves and captures detailed images of the body's internal anatomy.

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 identification 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.
• Will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-8), which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.
• Specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services.
• Perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures.
• Perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required.
• Also work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call.
• Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum; Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc.
• 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.

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.
• Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable.
• 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.
• Hands-on experience performing diagnostic medical sonography across multiple subspecialties, including abdominal, small parts, musculoskeletal, and vascular imaging
• 2 years experience in both clinic and hospital setting

Responsibilities

• Assisting patients with safe transfers to and from the examination table, utilizing department-approved mobility equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, and Hoyer lifts, while adhering to all facility and departmental safety protocols.
• Conducts patient interviews, reviews medical history, and verifies that the exam order aligns with the clinical indication; clearly explains the purpose of the study and provides instructions to ensure patient understanding and cooperation; and communicates all relevant history and significant findings to the interpreting radiologist through a technologist report at the conclusion of each exam to ensure accurate diagnostic correlation.
• Performs a comprehensive range of ultrasound examinations, from routine to highly specialized studies, requiring expert knowledge of anatomy and pathology. Responsibilities include proper patient alignment and positioning, equipment setup, and manual transducer manipulation to obtain high-quality diagnostic images.
• Ensures accurate and complete examinations through advanced technical skills and a thorough understanding of both normal and abnormal human anatomy.
• Advises radiologists or referring physicians of significant abnormalities that would require immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing the examination.
• Maintains effective control of the Ultrasound area by coordinating, planning, organizing, and executing daily workflow to optimize efficiency within the department.
• Collaborates with the healthcare team when needed to ensure continuity of care and support patient outcomes.
• Manages emergency and excessive workload by adjusting schedules to accommodate added patients.
• Performs other clinical, administrative and imaging duties in which they are trained and/or competent as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• 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)
• After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 .
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Federal employee benefits

What This Job Offers

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