Medical Instrument Technologist (Echocardiography)

The technologist operates and maintains complicated ultrasound equipment for use in echocardiography and Doppler flow studies of the heart as well as electrocardiography equipment. Major Duties: This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be June 8, 2026, with a bi-weekly cut-off dates on Thursdays going forward. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. DUTIES a. Operates and cares for highly sensitive and specialized electronic equipment for M-mode and two and three dimensional echocardiography studies of the heart and Doppler studies of flow within the heart, measuring heart chamber sizes, quantitating obstruction to flow or regurgitation (leaking) of the cardiac valves. b. Advises cardiologists in performing transesophageal echo studies. c. Performs echocardiography examinations unsupervised. Obtaining satisfactory echocardiography studies requires a high degree of training and skill and requires many delicate and exacting steps and subtle discriminations. The technologist must be able to evaluate the adequacy of the echocardiography recording, determine optimal machine adjustments and the methods and techniques, including patient positioning and patient cooperation, which will yield the best result. Utilized as back up to the Ultrasound department and performs emergent Ultrasound studies as needed. d. The technologist performs these studies in the Echocardiography/Radiology department and at bedside when when appropriate. e. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to Imaging manager those that would improve the operation of the ultrasound department. f. Maintains adequate supplies so that the examinations are not delayed due to lack of necessary equipment and supplies. g. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations. These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation. h. Explains examinations to be performed to the patients and wards of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate echocardiogram may be obtained in an effort to get diagnostic examinations for the purpose of treatment and diagnosis of disorders. i. Distributes echocardiogram and related information to the cardiologist/radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that treatment based on diagnosis may be effectuated in a timely manner. j. Performs daily checks of cables, machine and transducers for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the echocardiogram/ultrasound equipment k. Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate echocardiogram records so that easy recall of patient examinations is achieved. Schedules outpatients for echogram studies. Maintains a patient schedule log, procedure log, editing and registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Work Schedule: Intermittent As Needed Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Education: Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Requirements: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.