Job Summary

The echo technician will have knowledge and experience to provide all aspects of echocardiographic services. Independently perform routine and complex transthoracic echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, and contrast echocardiograms. Assist physicians with transesophageal echocardiogram and other procedures requiring echocardiography. Recruitment/Relocation incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate.

Job Description

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 chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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". 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. 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: Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) GS-09 Experience. At least 1 year experience comparable to the next lower grade level, 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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 Echocardiography. 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) 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. Preferred Experience: Ability to perform good quality transthoracic echocardiograms using 2D, M-mode, PW doppler, CW doppler and color doppler imaging. Ability to perform transthoracic echocardiograms from multiple windows, including parasternal, apical, subcostal, and suprasternal windows. Ability to recognize abnormal cardiovascular findings and adapt transducer position, instrument controls, and examination techniques to the individual patient and indication. Ability to perform echocardiographic bubble studies, pharmacologic contrast studies, exercise and dobutamine stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography. Previous exposure to 3D echocardiography and strain and strain-rate imaging is desirable. References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G27 dated March 17, 2006. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 45 pounds.