Advanced Medical Instrument Technician - Vascular

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. 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: GS-9: Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower GS-8 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. 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. 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. Ability to perform intracranial (transcranial) vascular examinations. 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. Ability to provide objective data to document progression or regression of disease. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 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. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Preferred Experience: Professional Certifications: 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) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. Advanced Vascular Duplex Imaging: Demonstrated experience independently performing complex abdominal, visceral, and specialized color duplex evaluations, including: Mesenteric artery duplex studies Renal artery stenosis and graft surveillance Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) / AAA post-intervention surveillance Temporal artery duplex scans (Giant Cell Arteritis assessment) Physiological and Microvascular Testing: Proficiency in conducting comprehensive non-invasive physiological testing and tissue oxygenation assessments, including: Segmental Limb Pressures (SLPs) Photoplethysmography (PPGs) and digital pressures Transcutaneous Oxygen Measurements (TCOMs) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: This position requires regular physical exertion to safely and effectively perform a wide range of non-invasive vascular studies. The technician must be able to lift, position, and assist patients who may be seriously ill or have significant physical disabilities. Duties require standing and walking for prolonged periods, reaching and bending to operate equipment, and maintaining steady manual control for extended scanning procedures. The technician must be physically capable of entering sterile operating room environments and performing intraoperative ultrasound when needed. The role also requires the ability to adjust or refine procedures to accommodate patients who are debilitated, post-operative, or physically compromised. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.