Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound

Summary

This position is located in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) – Southeast Network (VISN
7) – VA Augusta Health Care System (VAAHCS) in Augusta, Georgia. The Radiology/Imaging Service Medical Instrument Technician (DUT) operates diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross‑sectional and two‑ and three‑dimensional images. The incumbent also works off‑hour shifts, including weekends and holidays, as priorities demonstrate a need.

• Diagnostic ultrasound technicians operate diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross‑sectional and two‑dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions.
• Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

• Citizenship:
  Must be a citizen of the United States. Non‑citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
• Education:
  
  No specific educational requirements for this occupation; education may be substituted for experience at the GS‑4 and GS‑5 levels. Additional information on educational substitutions can be found in the grade requirements of this standard.
• Licensure or Certification:
  Not required for this occupation, but strongly desirable at GS‑6 or above as evidence of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. Certain functional areas at higher levels or supervisory assignments may require specific certifications. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with the relevant VA standards.
• Grade Determinations:
  • Medical Instrument Technician (DU) – GS‑6:
    At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level; must demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology, tissue harmonics, physics of sound waves, equipment setup, patient interaction, and basic cardiac life‑support certification.
  • GS‑7:
    Experience requiring independent conduct of complex but standardized examinations and advanced knowledge of ultrasound equipment and procedures; basic and advanced cardiac life‑support certifications desirable.
  • GS‑8:
    Experience enabling independent conduct of diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases, including vascular studies, biopsy assistance, and surgical assistance. Basic and advanced cardiac life‑support certifications desirable.

• Perform a full range of ultrasound procedures, including special complicated examinations for which there may not be standard instructions or procedures.
• Perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in intensive‑care units, emergency rooms, surgery, and throughout the medical center when required.
• Work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled or when on call.
• Set up and adjust all ultrasound equipment and manually maneuver the transducer to perform the examination.
• Record and process images for interpretation by a staff radiologist or resident.
• Alert the radiologist of emergent or abnormal findings and forward initial interpretations for final interpretation.
• Advise the radiologist or radiology resident of preliminary results of exams.
• Receive and identify patients, explain methods and purpose of examinations, and assist movement of patients to and from our department.
• Coordinate and assist with transportation of patients to and from the Ultrasound department.
• Work schedule:
  
  1:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Tuesday‑Friday or 7:30 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. Tuesday‑Friday.
• Benefits:
  Competitive salary and regular salary increases; 37‑50 days of annual paid time off (13‑26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays per year); parental leave up to 12 weeks after 12 months of employment; child care subsidy after 60 days of employment; traditional federal pension, federal 401(k), and federal insurance programs; telework not available;
  
  this is not a virtual position.
• Physical requirements are detailed in VA Directive and Handbook 5019.