Summary
The Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular) performs non‑invasive vascular ultrasound studies within the Vascular Laboratory. The position provides diagnostic and follow‑up imaging and supports inpatient, outpatient, and emergent care.
Qualifications
United States 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 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
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: Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular) GS‑10 Experience
At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level – directly related to the duties of the position – and must fully meet the KSAs at that level
In addition – the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment‑specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):
- 1 Advanced knowledge of the most complex and non‑standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques
- 2 Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated treatment and examination program
- 3 Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations
- 4 Ability to manage the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (which would include fund controls – contracts – and equipment expenditures) – forecast resource and equipment needs – and administer the allocated budget
- 5 Knowledge of and ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed, performance evaluation, selection of staff, and recommendation of awards – advancements – and – when appropriate – disciplinary actions
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 desirable
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit
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
Duties
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional: 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:
Perform duplex ultrasound examinations including B‑mode, color Doppler, and pulsed‑wave Doppler for carotid, abdominal, peripheral arterial and venous systems – and arteriovenous fistulas/grafts
Conduct advanced vascular studies such as ankle‑brachial index (ABI), arterial waveforms, palmar arch testing, thoracic outlet evaluations, renal and mesenteric duplex, aortic aneurysm (AAA) surveillance, and post‑EVAR assessments
Adjust scanning parameters to optimize diagnostic image quality based on patient condition and suspected pathology
Triage and prioritize vascular referrals according to patient symptoms – urgency – and clinical indicators
Independently perform complex and technically demanding vascular examinations requiring advanced skill – including detailed access graft/fistula evaluations, venous reflux studies, and specialized protocols
Recognize significant or emergent abnormalities during scanning and immediately communicate findings to ordering providers or vascular surgeons
Provide real‑time visualization assistance during vascular procedures when requested
Generate preliminary technical impressions and prepare diagnostic images for interpretation
Notify providers promptly when critical findings are identified
Document completed studies in accordance with established vascular laboratory protocols and accreditation standards
Assist with updating and maintaining vascular lab protocols
Ensure studies meet quality requirements consistent with laboratory accreditation standards
Provide input regarding equipment needs – imaging technology – and upgrades
Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 7:00 am – 4:30 pm
Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases; when setting pay – a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13–26 days of annual leave – 13 days of sick leave – 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment – full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs (maximum of $416.66 per month)
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance; Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement
Telework: Not Available; Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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