Medical Instrument Technicians (Vascular) operate diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as vascular blood flow, blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, cerebral circulation, peripheral circulation, and abdominal circulation. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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 Proficient 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). Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Certification/ Registrations: Not required, but highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) 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. (GS-8 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of cross-sectional and longitudinal vascular anatomy in normal and abnormal vessels, anatomical planes and tissue structures, physiologic effects of disease entities that impact the vascular system, signs and symptoms of acute and chronic vascular disease, and the characteristic appearance of aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, thromboses, stenoses, occlusions, AV fistulae, and morphology of atherosclerotic plaque formulation. 2. Ability to provide Doppler information of peripheral vessels; demonstrate characteristic differences related to the organs they supply; accurately quantify carotid artery stenoses; and identify and correlate specific waveform analysis, plethysmographic tracings, velocity changes, and pressure gradients characteristic of normal, obstructed, or occluded vessels or grafts. 3. Ability to perform intracranial (transcranial) vascular examinations. 4. Ability to operate the instruments to extract the highest quality image utilizing the appropriate transducer frequency, Doppler angle, focal zones, gain, depth, color map, wall filter, and sample volume. 5. Ability to provide objective data to document progression or regression of disease.) Experience: At least 1 year of 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 the knowledge, skills, and abilities to fully perform all vascular ultrasound tests and examinations and to function as a technical director of the vascular laboratory and provide oversight and/or guidance to other technicians. 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: 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 vascular 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: This position is mostly sedentary, typically the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there are times that may require walking, standing, bending, and carrying of light items like papers or books. You may be required to assist patients in wheelchairs and pushing equipment to other areas of the hospital. Must be able to help transfer patients if needed. ["Duties may include, but not limited to: Clinical Oversight: Oversee and perform highly specialized or difficult examinations to include: Vascular Technology - lower and upper extremity arterial, cervical carotid, upper and lower DVT evaluation, vein mapping for bypass, abdominal aortic and visceral vessel duplex, ultrasound evaluation for endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair, vein map for AVF, AVF duplex, digital plethysmography. Diagnostic Medical Sonography- abdominal, neurologic, and ophthalmic. Additionally, technicians must possess experience with physiologic testing including ankle brachial index testing, segmental and digital pressure and waveform testing, plethysmography testing, waveform and pressure evaluations for vasospastic and positional vascular phenomena, and transcutaneous Doppler studies. Triage lab appointments and serve as relief technologist/sonographer during temporary staffing shortages or heavy exam schedules. Correlate findings of non-invasive examinations with findings of other radiologic diagnostic procedures. Ensure the accurate evaluation of results of ultrasound studies and appropriate recommendations for further vascular laboratory diagnostic procedures. Relay urgent preliminary findings. Quality Oversight: Oversee and adhere to comprehensive Quality Assurance plan. Ensure appropriate standards are maintained. Present Vascular Lab studies in weekly or monthly multidisciplinary vascular conferences. Coordinate and direct monthly \"Lab Rounds\" and quarterly QA meetings for on-going education and quality control. Ensure adherence to laboratory policies including relaying of preliminary findings and patient charting. Work with the Medical Director to develop and/or maintain guidelines for laboratory interpretation. Care Coordinator: Interact with physicians, technologists/sonographers, fellows, residents, nurses, and clerical staff regarding daily operations, data management and patient care issues. Receive and identify patients, explain methods of procedures, assist movement to/from wheelchairs/carts/tables, position the patient, and perform all requested examinations. Coordinate schedule, working with clerical staff to meet patient care needs and hospital standards. Evaluate the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearrange priorities to accommodate them. Main records of patients treated, exams performed, scans taken, etc. Maintain Skill: Know and understand the principles of ultrasound and the highly-specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability of each scan. This includes preparation and supplies, scanning motions, TCG (Time Compensated Gain), zoom or expansion, hard cop, picture-oriented examination, organ-oriented examination, and initial interpretation of the examination. The technician shall remain current on technology advances, diagnostics, and other operational administrative aspects of laboratory through active involvement in local, regional, and national professional societies and other professional education affiliations. Role Responsibilities and Accountabilities: Operational Management Personnel Management Equipment Management Lab space Management Program Planning Promote services Performs other duties, as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30AM-4:00PM Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]

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