Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography)

Veterans Health Administration • Topeka, KS

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Echocardiography Technician applies advanced knowledge of thoracic anatomy and physiology related to cardiovascular function. The technician follows departmental, service, hospital, agency, and national regulations and policies, and identifies and records abnormalities that may indicate disease, injury, or another medically significant condition using ultrasound imaging and simultaneous Doppler recordings. The role requires sound organization and time management, independent judgment, accountability, reliability, and the ability to stay focused and prioritize effectively in stressful conditions. The technician performs duties in keeping with the mission, vision, and values of VA EKHCS and assumes the functions and responsibilities of lower grade levels.

The technician performs standardized and diagnostic echocardiography procedures and produces diagnostic-quality images and Doppler recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and four-dimensional imaging; pulsed and continuous-wave Doppler spectral display; and color-flow Doppler. Procedures include complex four-chamber cardiac studies using sector scanning to detect valve stenosis or incompetence, chamber enlargement, and pericardial effusion, as well as cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves, strain technology, and pericardiocentesis. The technician also performs transthoracic echocardiography, bubble studies, and contrast echocardiography; explains procedures to patients and positions and prepares them; and follows probe sterilization policy for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

The technician completes physician-ordered diagnostic studies on all tours of duty with minimal or no direct supervision and coordinates appointments and workload based on patient appropriateness and staffing. Duties also include accepting verbal orders and documenting procedures in the patient medical record; preparing patients, applying electrodes, and obtaining accurate, high-quality 12-lead ECGs and long-term ECG monitoring; and assisting providers during treadmill and nuclear stress testing. The role requires knowledge of echocardiography equipment and software, emergency procedures, medical records, and complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques.

This is an intermittent, non-virtual VA position. The full performance level is GS-9. The position offers competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or VA needs. Permanent Change of Station and recruitment or relocation incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position, demonstrating knowledge required to provide all aspects of echocardiography services and meeting the KSAs at that level.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Ability to organize and manage time, exercise independent judgment, take responsibility for work and actions, remain focused under stress, and prioritize and transition between tasks quickly.
• Ethical judgment, integrity, honesty, dependability, accountability, and reliability; ability to work independently.
• 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.
• Ability to manage and supervise employees and provide, or arrange for, staff development and training, as applicable to the assignment.
• Completion of required background/security investigation, onboarding, and pre-employment requirements; applicants selected for testing-designated VA positions are subject to pre-appointment urinalysis.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the work, including prolonged standing or walking, frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching, lifting and repositioning patients, and pushing or pulling heavy objects.

Nice To Haves

• Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS), or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS), is highly desirable.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable.
• One year of experience completing adult echocardiograms; registry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform standardized echocardiography and diagnostic cardiac procedures.
• Produce diagnostic-quality images and Doppler frequency-shift recordings using M-mode, 2D, 3D, and 4D imaging, pulsed and continuous-wave Doppler spectral display, and color-flow Doppler imaging.
• Perform complex four-chamber cardiac studies using sector scanning to identify stenotic or incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, and pericardial effusion; perform cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves, strain technology, and pericardiocentesis.
• Perform transthoracic echocardiography, bubble studies, and contrast echocardiography.
• Explain procedures to patients and position and prepare them for procedures.
• Follow sterilization policy for TEE probes.
• Complete physician-ordered diagnostic studies on all tours of duty with minimal or no direct supervision; coordinate appointments and workload based on patient appropriateness and staffing.
• Accept verbal orders and record procedure entries in the patient medical record.
• Prepare patients, apply electrodes, and acquire accurate, high-quality 12-lead ECGs.
• Prepare patients, apply electrodes, and acquire long-term ECG monitoring recordings.
• Prepare patients, apply electrodes, and assist providers throughout treadmill and nuclear stress testing.
• Perform duties in accordance with applicable departmental, service, hospital, agency, and national regulations and policies and the mission, vision, and values of VA EKHCS.
• Assume the functions and responsibilities of lower grade levels.
• Use knowledge of emergency procedures, medical records, and complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• A higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or special VA needs.
• Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed