Medical Instrument Technician - Diagnostic Ultrasound

Summary

The breast sonographer has the overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of breast sonography and will assist with ultrasound guided core biopsies in the breast imaging department at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. The breast sonographer will work closely with mammography technologists - radiologists - clinicians - and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control - efficient coordination of activities - high quality diagnostic exam results - and patient satisfaction.

• 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.
• Citizenship:
  All applicants are required to be a citizen of the United States.
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g.)
• Education:
  
  There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation.
• Licensure or Certification:
  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".
• English Language Proficiency:
  Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this part.
• GRADE REQUIREMENTS:
  Title and Certification:
  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).
• Candidate with Breast registry is preferred or will be required to obtain the registry within one year.
• Grade Determinations:
  Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound/Breast Imaging) - GS-9. GS-09:
  In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level - positions at this grade may be lead - supervisory - or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments Experience and KSA's:
  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 specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services.
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): KSAs 1 - 2 - and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level.
• GS-08 Level Core competencies at the full performance level:
  Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: 1.
• Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body - including - but not limited to - the abdomen - pelvis - transvaginal - chest - small parts - thyroid - breast - and scrotum.
• 2.
• Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral - renal artery - aortic aneurysm - portal-systemic shunts - etc.
• 3.
• Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location - depth - and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled.
• 4.
• Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations.
• GS-09 Level Core competencies at the full performance 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…