Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Veterans Health Administration • Grand Forks, ND

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The Medical Instrument Technician operates and performs complex, specialized, noninvasive diagnostic ultrasound examinations using Doppler ultrasound and duplex sonography. The role supports the VA Midwest Health Care Network’s Whole Health System of care, which promotes personalized health plans for Veterans in healing relationships and environments and connection to their communities.

The technician performs diagnostic vascular ultrasound services, communicates significant findings to radiologists or referring physicians, works with patients and clinical staff, maintains examination and patient-preparation processes, and supports staff and student training. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework and virtual work are not available. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under applicable VA provisions.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At least one year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level and directly related to the position, demonstrating the knowledge required to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services.
• Knowledge of complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques sufficient to train and supervise others, evaluate and initiate performance-improvement projects, and write diagnostic-ultrasonography policies, procedures, and protocols.
• 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 arrange staff development and training.
• Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing-designated position must submit to urinalysis for illegal drug screening; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Subject to a background/security investigation and completion of online onboarding and pre-employment identification requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must complete application requirements in the announcement's Required Documents section.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, with continued employment subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.

Nice To Haves

• Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification is desirable.
• Preferred experience: BLS certification and ARDMS.

Responsibilities

• Alert radiologists or referring physicians to images of significant abnormalities that may require immediate attention while the patient is undergoing examination.
• Perform complex specialized duplex examinations, including B-scans, Doppler, and ankle-brachial index (ABI) studies of the carotid, abdominal, and other peripheral arteries and veins.
• Apply knowledge of vascular flow rates and measurements to maintain accurate and consistent vascular ultrasound records.
• Register patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS) and Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Application (VistA).
• Adjust equipment gain and frequency settings to ensure accurate results.
• Determine the vascular ultrasound procedures needed to obtain definitive diagnostic findings based on clinical signs and symptoms.
• Manually clean and disinfect non-critical reusable equipment and surfaces, dispose of single-use equipment and trash according to facility policy, and restock supplies.
• Explain procedures to patients, position them, recognize disabilities or impaired mobility, and assist as needed.
• Provide briefings and orientations to hospital staff and providers.
• Develop and maintain patient-preparation procedures for general and vascular ultrasound examinations to prevent delays.
• Explain the purpose of examinations, patient requirements, and when results will be available.
• Gather relevant medical information, including patient history and previous examinations related to diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
• Coordinate with scheduling staff on study duration and patient schedules, accommodating emergencies, add-on patients, and walk-in clinic patients.
• Provide clinical assistance, evaluate students, and give constructive feedback during their training.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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