Career Center

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. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source of all ultrasound imaging, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. 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. No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. 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. Grade Determinations:GS-9: Experience: At least 1 year of 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. GS-8 KSA's include: Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. This would be specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography 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: 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 JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. 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: Registry eligible or graduate of an accredited Ultrasound program. RVS, RDMS, and/or RVT certified. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. ["This announcement is open continuous. Certificates will be issued to the hiring manager on a bi-weekly basis until all positions have been filled. Announcement will remain open until all vacancies are filled, and may close sooner than 9/29/2023.Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Perform advanced specialized breast ultrasound exams. Work directly with the Chief of Mammography to complete advanced breast ultrasound procedures as directed. Performs in a hospital 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, but is not limited to: abdomen for tumors, stones, cysts, abscesses, hematomas, inflammatory lesions, such as pancreatitis, and sizes of organs and their location, evaluations of abdominal aorta for aneurysm and/or dissection, vascular ultrasound venous studies to r/o Deep Venous Thrombosis, peripheral arterial studies to r/o stenosis. Understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability or reject ability of each scan. This includes: preparation and supplies, scanning motions, TCG (Time Compensated Gain), Doppler, doppler color flow, plethysmography, zoom or expansion, hard copy, picture-oriented examination, organ-oriented examination and initial interpretation the examination. Interpreting the examination requires identifying normal and pathologic appearances. Pathologic appearance includes: intraluminal echoes that shadow, polyp, carcinoma, thick wall, size, obstructing lesions, common duct stone, tumor, benign strictures, texture, solid mass, cystic mass to name just a few. Controls technical factors on ultrasound unit, which will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction and diffraction. Advises radiologist or referring physician of results of exams. Maintains effective control of the Ultrasound area by coordinating, planning, organizing and executing the daily work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departments. Schedules patient for exams and maintains daily log of patients and procedures to be incorporated into statistical management workload profiles. Enters patients into the Computerized Patient Record System 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. Provides guidance and trains rotating x-ray and ultrasound students and technologists in Ultrasound. Provides guidance and trains volunteers working within the Ultrasound department. Maintains a quality assurance program of all ultrasound scanning equipment, TV and video monitor, videotape machines, and cameras. Performs preventative maintenance as required. Troubleshoots equipment used in Ultrasound and is able to make minor repairs and/or adjustments. Properly identifies patient images and exams. Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the procedure to be performed. Explains to competent patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure. Assists radiologists and other non-radiologic physicians during Ultrasound guided biopsies, drainages, and aspirations and some timed Doppler studies involving blood flow. Notifies Radiologist immediately when scans require attention such as ER exams. Possible exams include ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, hernia or ascites check, pelvis (female or male), transvaginal, chest, small parts, renal, thyroid (general imaging, plus FNA procedures that you assist), breast (general imaging, plus breast procedures that you assist), and scrotum. Vascular studies such as carotids, renal artery, liver or renal transplant, aortic aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm check, TIPS (portal-systemic shunts), Celiac/SMA, upper & lower peripheral arterial (perfusion), upper & lower peripheral venous (DVT studies), etc. Assist radiologists with (renal or liver, etc.) biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. Assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations (thoracentesis &/or paracentesis). Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not eligible 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"]

Return to Search Results