Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography)

Grade Determinations: GS-5 Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee): (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: OR, (b) Education. Successful completion of [4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or] a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine. (d) Assignment. Medical Instrument Technicians (Trainee) at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area. Such duties would be performed under closer supervision. GS-6 Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography): (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:?????? (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and great vessels. Knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias and their relationship to hemodynamic conditions of the cardiac cycle. Knowledge of basic cardiac ultrasound physics and the acoustic mechanisms by which high quality cardiac images are obtained. Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for standardized, routine procedures. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure. (c) Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. (d) Assignment. Echocardiography technician assignments at this level involve performing routine, standardized cardiac ultrasound examinations under the supervision of a fully qualified cardiac sonographer. The work involves generating adequate gray scale images to define cardiac borders and learning to perform Doppler integration of cardiac valves for determination of flow velocities. GS-7 Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography): (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized echocardiographic examinations. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to scan transthoracic echocardiograms in all views with colorflow and some Doppler. Ability to conduct cardiac testing to determine the severity and variety of cardiac problems, i.e., valvular dysfunction, myocardial wall kinesia, effusions, endocardial lesions, etc. Knowledge of the set-up for transesophageal echocardiograms. Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for more complex, but standardized procedures. (c) Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. (d) Assignment. At this level, medical instrument technicians (echocardiography) perform a range of standard, but complex, echocardiographic examinations with responsibility for calibrating all instruments prior to the procedure. They are expected to keep an accurate record of tests, daily logs, and videotapes. They maintain cidex logs. Preferred Experience: Preferred Skills for Monitor Telemetry Technicians: 1.) Technical Skills ECG (Electrocardiogram) Interpretation: Proficiency in recognizing normal rhythms, arrhythmias, ischemic changes, and artifact. Understanding of Cardiac Physiology: Knowledge of heart anatomy and how it relates to telemetry readings. Equipment Operation: Skill in operating telemetry monitoring equipment and related software; ability to set up, calibrate, and troubleshoot monitors. Alarm Management: Ability to quickly recognize, assess, and appropriately respond to alarms. 2.) Clinical & Documentation Skills: Accurate Charting: Precise documentation of cardiac rhythms and events in the electronic medical record (EMR). Reporting Abnormal Findings: Effective communication of urgent or significant changes to the appropriate nursing/clinical staff promptly. Following Protocols: Adherence to facility policies and reporting procedures regarding cardiac monitoring. 3.) Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Teamwork: Ability to work closely with nurses, physicians, and other medical staff. Clear Communication: Ability to relay critical information succinctly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. Patient Sensitivity: Professionalism and confidentiality, respecting the privacy and dignity of patients. 4.) Cognitive & Organizational Skills: Attention to Detail: High degree of accuracy and vigilance in observing patient monitors. Multitasking: Capability to monitor multiple patients simultaneously and prioritize appropriately. Problem-Solving: Ability to remain calm, identify issues, and respond correctly in urgent or evolving situations. 5.) Certifications & Educational Background (Preferred) High School Diploma/GED: Minimum; some college coursework in health sciences is preferred. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification: Often required or strongly preferred. ECG/Telemetry Certification: Completion of a formal telemetry or ECG interpretation course is highly regarded. Prior Experience: Previous experience as a monitor tech, nursing assistant, or similar clinical role is advantageous. 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-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-7. The Medical Instrument Technician (Telemetry Technician) interprets telemetry rhythms, monitors the patient's continuous EKG and pulse oximetry waveforms in a centralized station located within the 3B North Tele nursing unit, sets alarm parameters per primary provider orders, and notifies the appropriate clinical staff as indicated. The telemetry technician is expected to perform job duties independently and in accordance with established departmental and hospital policies and procedures.