Qualifications

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
• 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"
• 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
• 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 Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography): Experience
• At least 1 year experience comparable to the next lower grade level, GS-8, 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• 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 provide, or provide for, staff development and training
• Preferred Experience: 1+ year(s) experience as a cardiac sonographer
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The majority of the work performed is in the Echocardiography laboratory
• however bedside echocardiograms are needed in various care units within the VAMC
• The cardiac sonographers work may require long periods of scanning while sitting or standing, bending over and pushing the cardiac ultrasound machine to the bedside of inpatients that cannot be transported to the Echocardiogram Lab
• The sonographer may be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases and may need to respond appropriately to an acute change in the patient's condition
• The sonographer must have the ability to perform in high stress situations including but not limited to medical emergencies.