Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography)

Veterans Health Administration • Goshen, NY

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The echocardiographer works at National CARDIO-VET Network locations, expanding access to high-quality echocardiography services for rural Veterans. The sonographer performs ultrasound imaging of the heart for cardiac diagnostic testing and works closely with cardiologists who interpret echocardiograms to support high-quality assessment of heart structure and function. The position serves multiple duty stations within the CARDIO-VET Cardiology Hub and Spoke Network and is not suitable for telework or virtual work. Travel may be up to 75%, and a valid state driver's license is required.

The position performs transthoracic, transesophageal, and stress echocardiograms; operates diagnostic equipment to obtain 2D, 3D, Doppler, and M-mode images; and applies specialized knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, biology, ultrasound physics, and cardiac sonography. Additional duties include communicating with patients and employees, cleaning and maintaining equipment, managing supplies, coordinating equipment maintenance with biomedical engineering, transferring diagnostic images, and using computer systems and office software for records, reports, and imaging data.

The work schedule is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Compressed or flexible scheduling may be available. Although the stated schedule is administrative, the position may require flexibility because it is in a 24/7 hospital; some positions may rotate tours or work non-administrative tours as established by the immediate supervisor. The full performance level is GS-9. The role requires standing for extended periods, traveling within treatment areas while pushing an echo machine, lifting equipment and supplies, manipulating probes during procedures, transporting Veterans, and potentially sitting for extended periods at computer terminals.

Requirements

• United States citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At least one year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, demonstrating knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the position.
• Knowledge of complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques sufficient to provide training and supervision, evaluate and initiate performance-improvement projects, and write echocardiography policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• Valid state driver's license; travel may be up to 75%.
• Ability to travel easily to treatment areas while pushing an echo machine, stand for up to 8–10 hours while providing care, lift 20 pounds, manipulate ultrasound probes while applying pressure against a patient's chest, and transport Veterans on stretchers, beds, and wheelchairs.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation or examination.
• Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing-designated position are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use before appointment; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Must meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Subject to background and security investigation and required to complete 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 listed in the announcement's Required Documents section.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period and receive written certification for continued employment after the trial period.
• Education or degrees used to qualify must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and awarded by accredited institutions; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.
• Licensure or certification is not required for this occupation.

Nice To Haves

• Professional certification as a Cardiovascular Credentialing International Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or an American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) is strongly preferred.
• Experience administering ultrasound or echocardiography enhancing agents is strongly preferred.
• Compressed or flexible scheduling may be available.

Responsibilities

• Perform transthoracic, transesophageal, and stress echocardiograms with cardiology physicians.
• Operate diagnostic equipment to provide 2D, 3D, Doppler, and M-mode images of the heart and associated structures.
• Apply specialized knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, biology, ultrasound physics, and cardiac sonography.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients and employees during cardiac procedures and care.
• Clean equipment using proper and approved procedures.
• Maintain inventory and coordinate ordering supplies needed for echocardiograms.
• Work with biomedical engineering to maintain cardiac ultrasound equipment.
• Ensure timely transfer of diagnostic images to the reporting server for inpatient and outpatient examinations.
• Use word-processing and data-entry software, including Excel, to store and retrieve electronic documents, activate printers, format reports and correspondence, and copy imaging data for providers in accordance with VAMC regulations.
• Access information in the computerized patient record system.
• Travel to multiple duty stations within the CARDIO-VET Cardiology Hub and Spoke Network.
• Travel to treatment areas while pushing an echo machine and transport Veterans on stretchers, beds, and wheelchairs.
• Use proper preventive ergonomic techniques while performing duties.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive federal benefits package.
• Eligible selected applicants may receive credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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