The incumbent practices are within the full scope of their ARDMS Certifications and are assigned as an above full performance level MIT according to operational needs. Diagnostic ultrasound uses a transducer to generate high frequency sound waves to produce images of the body's internal structures for medical diagnostic purposes.

Qualifications:

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. 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. 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).

Preferred Experience:

For this position it is highly preferred that the MIT be credentialed in at least 2 specialized areas.

Grade Determinations :

Diagnostic Ultrasound Technicians operate diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions. Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). (See Appendix C) Positions should be assigned to the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), GS-647 series, when both ultrasound and other modalities which require the delivery of ionizing radiation are performed. Positions in which ultrasound duties are performed exclusively (no other modalities are performed), should be assigned to the Medical Instrument Technician, GS-649 series, since ultrasound duties solely do not require the delivery of ionizing radiation.

Supervisory Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician:

Individuals in this assignment assume full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the work of subordinate technicians. Typically these duties include assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff; providing diagnostic ultrasound technician services in more complex cases; reviewing and making recommendations regarding new and emerging procedures; providing instruction and training to new staff; interviewing candidates for positions; recommending selections, advancements, promotions; evaluating performance; taking disciplinary action when necessary; and identifying educational or training needs. GS-10. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-9 level, positions at this grade may be supervisory or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. (a) 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. 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. Advanced knowledge of complex and non-standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques. Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated treatment and examination program. Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations. 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. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Special Assignments. There may be a rare non-supervisory position supporting this grade level. Such a position would typically include knowledge of standards of medical practice in applicable medico-legal responsibilities in diagnostic ultrasound procedures; developing protocols and clinical research projects;

References:

VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements:

Heavy lifting 45 pounds and over, moderate carrying 15-44 pounds, Pushing 4-8 hours, Reading above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking 4-6 hours, standing, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, hearing (aid may be permitted), mental and emotional stability, hearing aid not allowed in MRI, working closely with others and alone, protracted or irregular hours of work, exposure to bodily fluids.