Medical Instrument Technician - Diagnostic Ultrasound

Summary

The technologist has the overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of breast sonography and will assist with all ultrasounds guided procedures in the imaging department at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. The breast ultrasound technologist 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:
  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:
  
  The incumbent will be required to do the following:
  Position requires long periods of standing and walking, some bending, lifting, and carrying of moderately heavy items. Requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Ability to reach above shoulder. Both hands and use of fingers. Must be able to lift, carry and move heavy equipment/patients routinely.
• 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.
• Grade Requirements:
  Definitions:
  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:
  In addition to the basic requirements for employment the criteria discussed in the applicable headings or that defined in the appendices must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
• Education/Training:
  To be creditable education must have been gained in an accredited Community College, College, or University. Training:
  Completion of appropriate training such as in‑service training programs, on the job training, training acquired while in the Armed Forces, government‑sponsored developmental training programs, and/or training under physicians certified in the functional area will be allowed on a month‑for‑month basis through the GS‑5 level. Foreign
  
  Education:
  
  To be creditable education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. Specialized developmental experience obtained under supervision of appropriately certified individuals may be credited at higher levels and is addressed in individual appendices.
• Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound/Breast Imaging) – GS‑9:
  In addition to the core…