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 located in the Radiology/Imaging Service. The Radiology/Imaging Service Medical Instrument

Technician (DUT) operates diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross-sectional and two- and three-dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions.

Learn more about this agency

Duties

Help

Duties include, however, not limited to:

• Serves as operator of Ultrasound system, as well as accessory equipment. Interaction with physicians, physicists, computer programs, and biomed engineers will be normal occurrence of the daily duties of the operator.
• Provides patient care, which is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. Use varies ultrasound probe to obtain images and monitors patient during all phases of the examination, until completion of the data acquisition.
• Monitors the examination by checking computations, performances, and results of the selected protocol to obtain the best diagnostic computer-generated data and images.
• Maintains equipment malfunction and downtime log. Maintains examination log, computer data and technical parameters on each examination.
• Maintains technical knowledge up to date by attending continued medical education training.
• Maintains knowledge up to date in relation to safety and infection control.
• Maintains supplies required for all Ultrasound examinations.
• Works independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call, based on the facility/department needs.
• Evaluates equipment to ensure it is safe for Ultrasound operation.
• Networks with engineering and other services to make certain Ultrasound equipment meet requirement.
• Maintains scanners, transducers, imaging station and all other equipment needed to perform daily activities.
• Cleans and disinfects equipment when needed. Keeps supplies well stocked for routine and interventional exams.
• Performs pre-procedure and post-procedures evaluation of patients undergoing invasive procedures.
• Maintain accurate patient records, examination documentation, and imaging data within the Radiology Information System (RIS) and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).
• Conduct portable ultrasound examinations in critical care units, emergency departments, surgical areas, and inpatient settings as required.
• Assist radiologists with ultrasound-guided procedures, including biopsies, aspirations, and tissue sampling, using sterile technique.
• Inspect transvaginal probes for expiration, ensure proper cleaning procedures, and maintain required cleaning logs.

Work Schedule : 7:30pm to 6:00am-Tuesday -Friday

Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

Telework : Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement # : 59165F,59166F, 59167F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

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).

Basic Requirements :

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.

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.

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 (Diagnostic Ultrasound), GS-6

Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to receive and interpret physician requests for routine, standardized ultrasonography procedures.
• Knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body to adjust TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality.
• Knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties.
• Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for standardized, routine procedures.
• . Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure.

Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable.

Assignment. At this level, medical instrument technicians (diagnostic ultrasound) perform examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They position the patient as needed for the best test results, set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the condition of the examination and patient, move and adjust depths and types of scan in accordance with procedures, perform operator preventive maintenance and care of equipment, and assist higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations.

Grade Determinations : Medical Instrument Technician ((Diagnostic Ultrasound), GS-7

Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized diagnostic ultrasonography examinations. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for more complex, but standardized procedures
• .Knowledge of zoom, expansion, prospectus, color Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler.
• Knowledge of the digital transmission of images.
• Ability to alter standard, but complex procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations.

Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable.

Assignment. At this level the medical instrument technician (diagnostic ultrasound) performs complex, standardized procedures independently. They have the knowledge to alter procedures, equipment settings, transducers used, etc., to accommodate patient needs and still produce a quality image for diagnostic purposes. They will also be required to assist with the performance of more complicated procedures and non- standardized procedures in a developmental capacity.

Grade Determinations : Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound), GS-8

Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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
• . Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal systemic shunts, etc
• .Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled.
• Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations.

Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable.

Assignment . This represents the full performance level for medical instrument technician (diagnostic ultrasound). At this level the technician is required to perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures. They perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required. They also work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of to GS-06 to GS-08..

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.