This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) b. 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. c. 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-9. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. (a) 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): (b) 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. 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. (c) 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: Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) credential with CCI, or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)credential with ARDMS preferred Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. ["Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: 1. The GS-9 MIT is required to meet all the knowledge, skills and abilities of the GS-8 level technician, and to have approximately one year of experience at that level. 2. The GS-9 MIT is responsible for all of the technical quality of work performed in the lab. The incumbent is responsible for insuring procedures are accomplished within the established time frames and are coordinated with the other sections of the hospital. The GS-9 MIT must be able to instruct lower level technicians in established work standards by clearly defining specific tasks and job technique requirements, and provide on the job training. 3. The GS-9 MIT provides scheduling for both inpatients and outpatients and ensures that patients requiring emergent or critical procedures are triaged appropriately. The GS-9 MIT appropriately directs lower level technicians regarding triage of emergent or critical procedures. 4. The GS-9 MIT ensures procedures performed are appropriate and necessary based upon the information provided. This is accomplished independently while complying to established criteria and/or special education. 5. The GS-9 MIT will possess specialized knowledge, skills and abilities in order to provide expert guidance to lower level technicians regarding special requests, unusual findings, emergent evaluations or imaging difficulties. 6. In both the inpatient and outpatient setting, the incumbent receives the patient and explains the purpose and methodology of the procedures in a manner that the patient will understand. The incumbent independently positions the patient in accordance to any patient limitations and obtains diagnostic ultrasound images of the heart and all required measurements. 7. The incumbent performs specialized cardiac ultrasound examinations, including but not limited to: a. Transthoracic Echo i. Educates and prepares patient for transthoracic echo exam ii. Acquires high quality, diagnostic images and all required measurements iii. Uses ultrasound acquisition program to display images for side by side analysis and interpretation by physician. b. Stress Echo i. Educates and prepares patient for stress echo exam ii. Acquires high quality images during and after exercise stress protocol and as directed by the physician iii. Uses ultrasound acquisition program to display test and post exercise images for side by side analysis and interpretation by physician c. Transesophageal Echo i. Prepares room and assembles necessary supplies and equipment ii. Educates and prepares patient for transesophageal exam iii. Ability to assist in all areas of the transesophageal exam including obtaining, monitoring and documenting vital signs and suctioning. Ability to assist as needed to maintain patient comfort and safety. iv. Maximizes image quality and appropriate image acquisition while a physician manipulates the probe. v. Uses ultrasound acquisition program to display images for side by side analysis and interpretation by physician. vi. Ability to follow strict guidelines regarding probe pre-cleaning and sterilization total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Work Schedule: 5:30am-4:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]

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