Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Job Title

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.

The MIT coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity, and initiative in the application of non-ionizing high frequency ultrasonic waves to humans for diagnosis of disease in the clinic or on the inpatient unit. Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan. Controls technical factors on ultrasound unit, which will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction and diffraction. Selects between non-focused, fixed-focus, linear phased array and annular phased array.

• Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient.
• Receives and identifies patients, explains methods of procedures, assists movement of patients to and from wheelchairs, carts and tables, positions the patient and performs examinations requested. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them.
• Performs ultrasonography studies, records as well as prepares the processed media for interpretation by the Staff Radiologist.
• Maintains records of patients in the Vista radiology package.
• Gives input to the schedule and prepares patients for exams and explains procedures to patients while performing the studies.
• Obtains pertinent diagnostic examinations for the physician, which may be necessary for correlation between the ultrasound scan and the clinical history.
• Performs 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.
• Routinely performs vascular studies including carotid duplex, ABI, arterial duplex, venous duplex, renal artery duplex, and visceral vascular exams of the abdomen. Regularly performs preoperative upper and lower extremity vein mappings vascular surgeons, as well as chronic venous insufficiency studies.
• Assists radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled.
• Assists in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. This requires performance and knowledge of sterile technique and strict enforcement.
• Differentiates artifacts from normal or pathological processes and recognizes electronic equipment limitations.
• Recognizes a diagnostic scan and consults with the Staff Radiologist to determine the proper diagnosis.
• Has knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• Performs other duties as assigned within scope of MIT technologist.

This position requires 25% travel. A valid driver's license is required.