Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular)

Full Job Description

The incumbent operates and performs a variety of complex, specialized, noninvasive diagnostic vascular ultrasound examinations using doppler ultrasound, duplex sonography.

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States.

(Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) Education.

There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels.

See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. Licensure or Certification.

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.

For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations".

For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable.

Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency.

Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: GS-9 Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular). Experience.

At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.

This would be experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to fully perform all vascular ultrasound tests and examinations and to function as a technical director of the vascular laboratory and provide oversight and/or guidance to other technicians.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. 1.

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 vascular ultrasonography.

*2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Certification.

Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) is highly desirable.

Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. Preferred Experience: General and Vascular Ultrasound experience.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position.

Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Major Duties:

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers.

This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest.

As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran.

This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community.

This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Major duties include but are not limited to: Alerts radiologist or referring physician to images of significant abnormalities that may require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination.

Performs complex, specialized Duplex (B-scans, Doppler and ABI) examinations of the carotid, abdominal and other peripheral arteries and veins.

Makes multiple gain, frequency settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to ensure accurate results.

Completes all required education and maintains competencies related to scheduling of patient appointments.

Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate same day services.

Reviews new developments in the field and recommends those that would improve the operation of the section.

Practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.

Manually clean and disinfect non-critical reusable equipment and surfaces, dispose of one time-use equipment and trash per facility policy, and restock supplies such as linens, cleaning products.

Interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure, recognizing disabilities or impaired mobility and assisting the patient as necessary.

Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for general, and vascular ultrasound examinations to prevent delays of examinations.

Explains procedure to be performed to the patients clearly including: the purpose of the study, requirements of the patients, how and when results of exam will be available.

Properly identifies patient images and matches them with order. Monitor patient's condition by vital signs, and recognize allergic reactions, initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation if necessary.

Collaborate with scheduling staff in for duration of the study, rearranging patients to accommodate emergencies, emergency add on patients and walk in clinic patients.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm, additional on call duty may be required. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized