Direct Jobs
Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography)
Direct Jobs, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21276
Summary
The Medical Instrument Technician performs echocardiography studies (heart ultrasound) and records the procedure for interpretation by a cardiologist. This is a diagnostic ultrasound procedure to assess heart function and identify possible abnormalities to assist the cardiologist with determining the most appropriate treatment plan for the patient. Technician is responsible for ensuring all procedure images are properly filed and the final procedure reports are downloaded onto CPRS.
Qualifications 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.
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation
Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation, but it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities
English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a
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 (Echocardiography) GS-06 Experience – at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-05)
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and great vessels
Knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias and their relationship to hemodynamic conditions of the cardiac cycle
Knowledge of basic cardiac ultrasound physics and the acoustic mechanisms by which high quality cardiac images are obtained
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
Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) GS-07 Experience – at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-06)
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to scan transthoracic echocardiograms in all views with color‑flow and some Doppler
Ability to conduct cardiac testing to determine the severity and variety of cardiac problems – i.e., valvular dysfunction, myocardial wall kinetics, effusions, endocardial lesions – etc.
Knowledge of the set‑up for transesophageal echocardiograms
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
Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) GS-08 Experience – at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-07)
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M‑mode, two‑dimensional, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display, and color‑flow Doppler imaging
Knowledge of normal echocardiographic findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases
Ability to perform complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the four chambers of the heart and valves using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, and pericardial effusion, and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves – etc.
Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive transthoracic Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, invasive stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography)
Ability to adapt transducer positioning, instrument controls, and examination techniques to the individual patient being studied and the problem being evaluated, including recognizing pertinent abnormalities and documenting abnormal findings
Preferred Experience: The technician needs to be proficient in performing echocardiographs – assisting with transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) and processing TEE scopes
Echocardiograph procedures include M‑mode, two‑dimensional color Doppler
Certain areas of the heart may require focused images based on the consultation notes provided by the cardiologist
The technician must have a comprehensive knowledge of cross‑sectional cardiac anatomy
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ . 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 GS-06 to GS-08
Physical Requirements: Work is primarily active – requires lifting up to 25 pounds, moving, operating and handling equipment, assisting patient to and from the bed, walking – standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time. Light to moderate lifting up to 44 pounds – Light to moderate carrying up to 44 pounds – straight pulling – pushing – reaching above shoulders – use of fingers and hands – walking – standing – repeated bending – ability for rapid mental and muscular coordinating simultaneously – near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 – Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other – both eyes required – depth perception – ability to distinguish basic colors – ability to distinguish shades of colors – hearing (aid permitted). Mental and emotional stability required. Works closely with others or alone.
Duties
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties may include: The Medical Instrument Technician performs echocardiography studies (heart ultrasound) and records the procedure for interpretation by a cardiologist
This is a diagnostic ultrasound procedure to assess heart function and identify possible abnormalities to assist the cardiologist with determining the most appropriate treatment plan for the patient
Technician is responsible for ensuring all procedure images are properly filed and the final procedure reports are downloaded onto CPRS
The technician needs to be proficient in performing echocardiographs – assisting with transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) and processing TEE scopes
Echocardiograph procedures include M‑mode – two‑dimensional color Doppler
Certain areas of the heart may require focused images based on the consultation notes provided by the cardiologist
The technician must have a comprehensive knowledge of cross‑sectional cardiac anatomy
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday – 08:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m
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 for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K 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 #: GS-08 512‑24014‑F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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Qualifications 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.
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation
Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation, but it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities
English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a
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 (Echocardiography) GS-06 Experience – at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-05)
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and great vessels
Knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias and their relationship to hemodynamic conditions of the cardiac cycle
Knowledge of basic cardiac ultrasound physics and the acoustic mechanisms by which high quality cardiac images are obtained
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
Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) GS-07 Experience – at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-06)
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to scan transthoracic echocardiograms in all views with color‑flow and some Doppler
Ability to conduct cardiac testing to determine the severity and variety of cardiac problems – i.e., valvular dysfunction, myocardial wall kinetics, effusions, endocardial lesions – etc.
Knowledge of the set‑up for transesophageal echocardiograms
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
Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) GS-08 Experience – at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-07)
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M‑mode, two‑dimensional, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display, and color‑flow Doppler imaging
Knowledge of normal echocardiographic findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases
Ability to perform complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the four chambers of the heart and valves using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, and pericardial effusion, and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves – etc.
Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive transthoracic Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, invasive stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography)
Ability to adapt transducer positioning, instrument controls, and examination techniques to the individual patient being studied and the problem being evaluated, including recognizing pertinent abnormalities and documenting abnormal findings
Preferred Experience: The technician needs to be proficient in performing echocardiographs – assisting with transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) and processing TEE scopes
Echocardiograph procedures include M‑mode, two‑dimensional color Doppler
Certain areas of the heart may require focused images based on the consultation notes provided by the cardiologist
The technician must have a comprehensive knowledge of cross‑sectional cardiac anatomy
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ . 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 GS-06 to GS-08
Physical Requirements: Work is primarily active – requires lifting up to 25 pounds, moving, operating and handling equipment, assisting patient to and from the bed, walking – standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time. Light to moderate lifting up to 44 pounds – Light to moderate carrying up to 44 pounds – straight pulling – pushing – reaching above shoulders – use of fingers and hands – walking – standing – repeated bending – ability for rapid mental and muscular coordinating simultaneously – near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 – Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other – both eyes required – depth perception – ability to distinguish basic colors – ability to distinguish shades of colors – hearing (aid permitted). Mental and emotional stability required. Works closely with others or alone.
Duties
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties may include: The Medical Instrument Technician performs echocardiography studies (heart ultrasound) and records the procedure for interpretation by a cardiologist
This is a diagnostic ultrasound procedure to assess heart function and identify possible abnormalities to assist the cardiologist with determining the most appropriate treatment plan for the patient
Technician is responsible for ensuring all procedure images are properly filed and the final procedure reports are downloaded onto CPRS
The technician needs to be proficient in performing echocardiographs – assisting with transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) and processing TEE scopes
Echocardiograph procedures include M‑mode – two‑dimensional color Doppler
Certain areas of the heart may require focused images based on the consultation notes provided by the cardiologist
The technician must have a comprehensive knowledge of cross‑sectional cardiac anatomy
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday – 08:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m
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 for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K 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 #: GS-08 512‑24014‑F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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