Med Inst Tech (Echocardio
The Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiographer) has the overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of the Echocardiography areas. The incumbent performs a comprehensive and high quality transthoracic and stress echos. The incumbent provides 24-hour Holter and event monitor services with the knowledge of scanning information gathered. May be asked to perform transesophageal echos and 24-hour Ambulatory BP services in the future. The incumbent works closely with the technologists, cardiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of activities and patient satisfaction. The incumbent establishes policies, procedures, standards, and objectives of the above Echocardiographic services. The incumbent will be in charge of all cardiac, EKG, and event monitor clinic functions including the CBOC's. Perform diagnostic cardiac ultrasound; the employee will use M-mode and two-dimensional ultrasound to image the pericardium, cardiac walls, chambers, septum, and valves. Knowledge of the physics of ultrasound and of the technology behind the echocardiographic instrumentation. In charge of all cardiac, EKG, and event monitor clinic functions including the CBOC's. The incumbent will have the ability to perform diagnostic cardiac ultrasound:
the employee will use M-mode and two-dimensional ultrasound to image the pericardium, cardiac walls, chambers, septum, and valves. Knowledge of the physics of ultrasound and of the technology behind the echocardiographic instrumentation. Knowledge of cardiac anatomy and pathophysiology, and knowledge of the limitations imposed by the physics and the equipment. Knowledge of cardiac cross-sectional anatomy to be able to identify intracardiac structures in order to select the correct transducer and gain settings to minimize artifact on acquisition, in addition to recognizing subtle equipment malfunctions. Will use Doppler ultrasound to identify and characterize intracardiac blood flow patterns in performing diagnostic cardiac ultrasound and stress echos. May perform contrast diagnostic ultrasound, bubble studies, and pharmacological stress echocardiography in the future. Will be proficient in operating a diagnostic ultrasound machine to perform a complete echocardiogram study by obtaining and recording two and three-dimensional ultrasound pictures, m-mode, pulsed, continuous wave and color Doppler, and Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Will follow the standard format developed by the American Society of Echocardiography. Responsible for specific measurements and calculations that will be included in the echocardiogram test report (e.g. stenotic valve area, pressure gradient). Under minimal to no supervision. Knowledge of the more complex examination, treatment procedures, and techniques which include transthoracic echo with bubble study, and contrast transthoracic echo studies. Responsible for setting up, performing, and analyzing data for stress echos. Will keep abreast of technical developments and evolving applications in the field of echocardiography. Possess the knowledge of cardiovascular response to incremental increased exercise, cardiac arrhythmias induced by exercise, and indications for the cessation of exercise testing due to life-threatening symptoms, cardiac arrhythmias or blood pressure changes. The incumbent will be responsible for training cardiology fellows, students, and other technicians in echocardiographic techniques so that individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound, and be able to obtain standard views, and be able to understand echocardiographic interpretation. The incumbent will be proficient in operating a diagnostic ultrasound machine to obtain quality images to be recorded on digital capture device for cardiologist review. The employee may be able to assist the Cardiologist by performing image optimization during TEE in the future. The incumbent will prepare a preliminary diagnostic report for each echocardiogram done for review by the cardiologist using Xcelera and Cardiology Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). The incumbent will utilize computer skills to document patient notes and other service work including necessary reports. Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday 7:
30am -4:
00pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. 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 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. 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:
At least 1 year experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-8, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. This would be experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of echocardiography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment 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 Echocardiography. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Ability to manage and supervise employees. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification 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. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 Appendix D The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements:
Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; light lifting, under 15 pounds; light carrying, under 15 pounds; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; standing (4 hours); both legs required; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted); disinfecting wipes; hand sanitizer. Travel throughout Pacific Rim Environmental Factors:
Dust, working closely with others, and working alone
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
the employee will use M-mode and two-dimensional ultrasound to image the pericardium, cardiac walls, chambers, septum, and valves. Knowledge of the physics of ultrasound and of the technology behind the echocardiographic instrumentation. Knowledge of cardiac anatomy and pathophysiology, and knowledge of the limitations imposed by the physics and the equipment. Knowledge of cardiac cross-sectional anatomy to be able to identify intracardiac structures in order to select the correct transducer and gain settings to minimize artifact on acquisition, in addition to recognizing subtle equipment malfunctions. Will use Doppler ultrasound to identify and characterize intracardiac blood flow patterns in performing diagnostic cardiac ultrasound and stress echos. May perform contrast diagnostic ultrasound, bubble studies, and pharmacological stress echocardiography in the future. Will be proficient in operating a diagnostic ultrasound machine to perform a complete echocardiogram study by obtaining and recording two and three-dimensional ultrasound pictures, m-mode, pulsed, continuous wave and color Doppler, and Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Will follow the standard format developed by the American Society of Echocardiography. Responsible for specific measurements and calculations that will be included in the echocardiogram test report (e.g. stenotic valve area, pressure gradient). Under minimal to no supervision. Knowledge of the more complex examination, treatment procedures, and techniques which include transthoracic echo with bubble study, and contrast transthoracic echo studies. Responsible for setting up, performing, and analyzing data for stress echos. Will keep abreast of technical developments and evolving applications in the field of echocardiography. Possess the knowledge of cardiovascular response to incremental increased exercise, cardiac arrhythmias induced by exercise, and indications for the cessation of exercise testing due to life-threatening symptoms, cardiac arrhythmias or blood pressure changes. The incumbent will be responsible for training cardiology fellows, students, and other technicians in echocardiographic techniques so that individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound, and be able to obtain standard views, and be able to understand echocardiographic interpretation. The incumbent will be proficient in operating a diagnostic ultrasound machine to obtain quality images to be recorded on digital capture device for cardiologist review. The employee may be able to assist the Cardiologist by performing image optimization during TEE in the future. The incumbent will prepare a preliminary diagnostic report for each echocardiogram done for review by the cardiologist using Xcelera and Cardiology Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). The incumbent will utilize computer skills to document patient notes and other service work including necessary reports. Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday 7:
30am -4:
00pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. 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 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. 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:
At least 1 year experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-8, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. This would be experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of echocardiography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment 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 Echocardiography. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Ability to manage and supervise employees. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification 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. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 Appendix D The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements:
Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; light lifting, under 15 pounds; light carrying, under 15 pounds; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; standing (4 hours); both legs required; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted); disinfecting wipes; hand sanitizer. Travel throughout Pacific Rim Environmental Factors:
Dust, working closely with others, and working alone
- Department:
0649 Medical Instrument Technician - Salary Range:
$54,522 to $70,918 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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