This Medical Instrument Technician (MIT), Diagnostic and Breast Ultrasound position is assigned to the FxHCC, Radiology Service. The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT), Diagnostic and Breast Ultrasound, must be ARDMS certified. Additional ARDMS specialty certification in Breast Sonography (BR) is preferred but not required. MIT's at this level perform the complete spectrum of general and breast ultrasound imaging.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. Applicants must complete an accredited program and pass certification exams 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 by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is required for this occupation. 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". 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: GS9: In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this level may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and duties. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment 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 diagnostic ultrasonography 2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels 4. Ability to manage and supervise employees. 5.Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training Certification. Registration by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 9 Physical Requirements: The physical demand of the work includes heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing lead apron for long periods of time.
DUTIES: This specialty modality uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The technician must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. a. Performs all ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. Performs ultrasound examinations of the breast, axillary, abdomen, neck, chest, extremities, trans vesical/transvaginal pelvis imaging, and retroperitoneal space for purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. b. Performs vascular imaging, both arterial and venous. c. Perform contrast enhanced ultrasound. d. Performs Ultrasound Elastography. e. Performs Breast sonography which includes, but is not limited to diagnostic, axillary, and screening. f. Experienced in the preparation and set up of procedures. Assists with pre and post procedure patient care for ultrasound guided procedures, such as breast and axillary biopsies and ultrasound guided localization procedures. g. Knows and understand the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized ultrasound equipment to approve the acceptability or reject ability of each scan. This includes: preparation and supplies, scanning motions, Time Compensated Gain (TCG), zoom or expansion, hard copy, picture oriented examination, organ-oriented examination and initial interpretation of the examination. Technician notes of the examination require identifying normal and pathological appearances. Pathologic appearance includes, but is not limited to: intraluminal echoes that shadow, polyp, carcinoma, thick wall, size, obstructing lesions, common duct stone, tumor, benign strictures, texture, solid mass, cystic mass. Technician notes will be forwarded by the Ultrasound Technician to the Radiologist before final interpretation is made. h. The technician interprets the requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinician. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations and works independently. Follows departmental Policy and Procedure Manual. The technician understands and carries out the requests made by providers or seeks assistance of the Supervisor when an uncommon, unique or new procedure is required. i. Properly selects patient's information from the HIS/RIS list on the work station, verifies patient information prior to beginning an exam. The technician ensures all anatomy is visible, annotations are made, correct orientation of the image, applies algorithm, configures the image and before transmitting them to PACS. The technician will immediately contact the PACS Administrator or Supervisor for any needed corrections This position requires overtime for emergency coverage. The technologist must be familiar with the process of forwarding imaging studies to off-site radiologist for review. Tours of duty may change depending on needs of the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Service or medical center. The employee may be called upon to perform other duties as required by the supervisor including, but not limited to: clerical duties. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm 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