Medical Instrument Technician; Echocardiography

Overview

The Echocardiography (ECHO) Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) functions as a member of the Cardiology multidisciplinary team. ECHO technicians operate diagnostic equipment to graphically record the position and motion of the heart walls or the ultrasonic waves directed through the chest wall. Echocardiography technicians at this level are competent with specialized advanced knowledge and function expertly in all aspects of the Echocardiography Laboratory.

Basic Requirements:

• 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:
  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"
• Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable
• Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition
• Physical Requirements:
  
  See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency:
  Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English
• 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: GS-9:
  Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) - Experience and KSAs as described below
• KSAs at the GS-8 next lower grade level listed below

Experience and KSAs include the ability to produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler recordings, knowledge of normal and abnormal echo cardiographic findings, and the ability to perform complex echocardiography procedures. The candidate must demonstrate knowledge to provide all aspects of echocardiography services, including transducer positioning, equipment operation, and documentation of findings. KSAs related to supervision, training, and regulatory knowledge are described where applicable.

Certifications:

Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) is highly desirable. BCLS and ACLS are also desirable.

References and additional information:
For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/

• All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience may result in disqualification.
• Respond to Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) with supporting documentation in your application package.
• Position duties include knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the heart, cardiac arrhythmias, basic cardiac ultrasound physics, and the ability to perform complex echocardiography procedures across all four chambers and valves.
• Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive transthoracic, bubble studies and contrast echocardiography; invasive or stress echocardiography; transesophageal echocardiography) and to adapt transducer positioning and examination techniques to the patient and condition.
• Ability to interact with patients, explain procedures, and position the patient appropriately.
• Ability to manage and supervise employees and provide or arrange staff development and training.
• Work schedule:
  
  Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
• Other benefits and pay details:
  Recruitment incentives may be authorized; relocation assistance not authorized; standard federal benefits, paid time off, parental leave, childcare subsidy, and retirement options apply as described in the job posting.