Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Veterans Health Administration • Saginaw, MI

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) works in the Radiology Department for Diagnostic Service at the Saginaw VA Medical Center. The position performs diagnostic and intra-operative ultrasound examinations to obtain high-quality images that support the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The role includes preparing patients, rooms, equipment, and materials; operating and adjusting ultrasound equipment; communicating preparation instructions; and distributing completed examinations and related information to radiologists. The technician independently interprets and carries out physician requests and must maintain an up-to-date Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate. Full-time and part-time opportunities are available. The full performance level is GS-9.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Meet one of the basic qualification pathways: at least one year of relevant experience comparable to the next lower grade level, including six months in a medically related field and six months operating diagnostic or therapeutic equipment; or two years of post-high-school education or an associate degree in a field directly related to medical instrument technology.
• For GS-9: at least one year of directly related experience comparable to the next lower grade level, demonstrating the knowledge required to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic medical terminology; ability to learn equipment components, operating characteristics, and settings; ability to recognize typical patient reactions and signs of distress; ability to learn standard procedure positions; and oral and written communication skills.
• For GS-9, demonstrate knowledge of complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques, JCAHO and other regulatory requirements, and the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• Be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and, if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, submit to urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
• Meet background and security investigation requirements, complete online onboarding and required application documentation, and comply with the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Meet the physical requirements, with reasonable accommodation if necessary: perform primarily light and sedentary duties, including sitting, walking, bending, carrying supplies, and occasional moderate physical activity.

Responsibilities

• Perform ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, pelvis, neck, chest, extremities, and retroperitoneal space to support diagnosis and treatment.
• Perform intra-operative ultrasound examinations to assist providers during procedures in a surgical environment.
• Operate ultrasound equipment and make multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments to ensure accurate results.
• Develop and maintain patient preparation procedures and explain preparation requirements to patients and wards to minimize delays.
• Distribute ultrasound examinations and related information to the radiologist responsible for interpreting the exams.
• Independently interpret and carry out physician requests.
• Prepare the room, equipment, and materials needed for patient procedures.
• Use left and right anatomical annotation markers.
• Maintain an up-to-date BLS certificate and be capable of providing basic life support interventions if needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Eligible employees may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may receive a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to family-income, child-eligibility, and monthly maximum limits.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree