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Diagnostic Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The practitioner must be competent in the production, use, recognition and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 2, Section D, Paragraph 5a. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-04 and GS-05 levels. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the United States must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional United States programs. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-06 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. Grade Determinations: GS-09 Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-08), 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 specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services. Resume must include average hours worked per week for work experience credit. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):1. 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.2. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.4. *Ability to manage and supervise employees.5. *Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. Preferred Experience: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) American Registered Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) Basic Life Support (BLS) certified References. VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard, dated March 17, 2006. The position is above Full Performance Level (GS-09). ["Major duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Performs in a hospital or clinic setting all ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. The spectrum of examination performed includes abdomen for tumors, cysts, abscesses, hematomas, inflammatory lesions, such as pancreatitis, and sizes of organs and their location, evaluations of the vasculature to evaluate abdominal aortic aneurysms, deep venous thrombosis, carotid artery blockages, renal artery stenosis. Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan. Controls technical factors on ultrasound unit, which will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction and diffraction. Selects between a multitude of transducers to determine the appropriate one for each exam. Receives and identifies patients, explains methods of procedures, assists movement of patients to .and from wheelchairs, carts and tables, positions the patient and performs examinations requested. Coordinates and performs all examination scheduling Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them. Maintains a quality assurance program of all ultrasound scanning equipment, monitors, etc Performs preventative maintenance as required Work Schedule: Intermittent, schedule will vary based on clinic needs Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required **Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis until the closing date of this open continuous announcement, as long as vacancies exist.**"]

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