This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more Basic Requirements: 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. 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: 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 as required 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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). Specialized Experience: GS-6: Completion of 1 year of [creditable] experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) directly related to the position to be filled (i.e., experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics needed to provide diagnostic ultrasound services at that level) is required. Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to receive and interpret physician request for routine, standardized ultrasonography procedures. Knowledge of tissue harmonics and sound wave propagation within the body to adjust TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality. Knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of sound waves, 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. GS-7: Completion of 1 year of [creditable] experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6) directly related to the position to be filled (i.e., experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics needed to provide diagnostic ultrasound services at that level) is required. 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, perspective, 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. GS-8: Completion of 1 year of [creditable] experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) directly related to the position to be filled (i.e., experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics needed to provide diagnostic ultrasound services at that level) is required. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects, and to write policies, procedures, and protocols that pertain to diagnostic ultrasonography. Knowledge of JCHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Ability to monitor ultrasound equipment for proper operations, makes minor adjustments and reports malfunctions to supervisor and or Biomedical Engineer. Ability to provide, or provide for staff development and training. Preferred Experience: ARDMS Grade Determinations: Grade will be determined based on experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G27 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: Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a clinic/hospital environment. The work requires moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing intermittent 2 hours in a shift; reaching, to include reaching above shoulder 30 minutes continuous and intermittent 4 hours in a shift; use of fingers and both hands to operate the equipment; intermittent sitting; walking intermittent 4 hours; standing intermittent 4 hours; intermittent bending; and the ability to perform rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. The work requires near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other eye; and the ability to distinguish basic colors. Hearing is required and a hearing aid is permitted to be worn. The incumbent must have mental and emotional stability. The incumbent works closely with others to include patients and staff. ["The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) Diagnostic Ultrasound, uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes, and is competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Performs a wide range of diagnostic ultrasound examinations including but not limited to the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder, order, inferior vena cava, portal vein, renal Doppler, liver Doppler, lower and upper extremity venous, ABI with segmental pressures, upper and lower arterial duplex, mesenteric vein mapping in portables. Soft tissue for abnormal masses or fluid. Paracentesis and thoracentesis ultrasound guidance. Renal or liver transplants and evaluation of functional integrity of TIPS shunts. Thyroid, soft tissue, breast, lymph node, liver and kidney ultrasound guidance biopsies. Or season identifies patients, explains methods of procedures, assist movement of patients to and from wheelchairs, carts and tables, positions the patient performs examinations requested. Coordinates and performs all examination scheduling. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them. Maintains records of patients treated, exams performed, scans taken, etc. Verifies that all exams are properly documented on hardcopy records and that appropriate images and other digital data are properly transferred to the packs and or electronic medical records. Performs digital processing procedures such annotating images in packs in case editing exams. Properly identifies the ultrasound exam or procedure, and indication for exam. Accurately utilizes computer programs to look up pertinent patient information that relates to patient examinations. responsible to explain exam the patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Has a thorough knowledge of all ultrasound procedures and examinations and keeps abreast of technological advances in the field of ultrasound and incorporates these advances into new examination procedures and in-service educational programs for the radiology technical staff. Participates in accredited continuing education in accordance with VA and ultrasound technologist registry requirements, including maintenance of documentation of this education, reporting this to the ultrasound supervisor on an annual basis. Assist radiologists and other non-radiologic physicians during ultrasound guided biopsies, drainages, and aspirations independently and with some direct supervision. Notifies radiologist immediately when scans require attention such as ER exams or exams unexpected or potentially dangerous conditions (e.g. leaking aneurysm, venous thrombosis, critical carotid stenosis, etc.). Work Schedule: Tours may vary. Primarily Monday-Friday 10a.m. to 6:30 p.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Relocation Incentive: Not authorized. Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for highly qualified applicants.\nEDRP Authorized: Contact Nekitta Cannon, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance at nekitta.cannon@va.gov or (615) 695-2192\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Discloser Report: Not required"]