Medical Instrument Technician -Echocardiography

Summary

The Echocardiography Technician (Echo Tech) is assigned to the Cardiology Section and has knowledge of thoracic anatomy and physiology. The Echo Tech performs assigned duties of significant scope, complexity, and variety. The Echo Tech identifies and records anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant condition from ultrasound imaging and simultaneous recordings of the Doppler.

Qualifications

Open continuous announcement until January 14, 2026. Initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications October 29, 2025. The VA is no longer subject to collective bargaining with the AFGE, NAGE, NFFE, NNOC / NNU, and SEIU; existing collective bargaining agreements are not in effect. United States Citizenship, English Language Proficiency, Medical Instrument Technician proficiency in spoken and written English. Education : no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Licensure or Certification not required; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Experience : GS-8 – at least 1 year experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-8 and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. GS-9 – demonstration of technical KSAs and potential to acquire assignment-specific KSAs. Preferred Experience : 3–5 years of Cardiac Sonographer experience. GS-9 registration by CCI as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or by ARDMS as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification required; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification desirable. Physical Requirements : Able to meet the physical demands of the position; stand, walk, bend and reach; lift and / or move over 50 pounds; good manual dexterity and keyboarding skills; express or exchange ideas by means of spoken word; view and read information on computer screens.

Duties

• Performs diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, 2-D, 3-D pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display and color flow Doppler imaging using digital technology.
• Performs transesophageal echocardiograms, dobutamine and exercise stress, and 3-D echocardiograms.
• Performs insertion of intra-venous catheters utilizing ultrasound on all patients.
• Prepares and attaches patient to stress test equipment and performs stress echocardiograms using digital acquisition and pharmaceutical agent with and without LV cavity opacification agent.
• Performs any new scanning techniques developed by manufacturers of ultrasound machines after training program completion, adapts transducer positioning, instrument controls and examination techniques to the individual patient and to illuminate the problem being evaluated.
• Monitors patient's condition during procedures.
• Triages inpatient procedure requests daily.
• Accurately documents information in the medical record and any other clinical or administrative applications.
• Technically knowledgeable in the operation, calibration, and maintenance of the specialized equipment in the echo lab.
• Completes encounters on all echo's performed using the correct CPT codes and diagnosis.
• Assists in restocking of supplies and linens in procedure rooms as needed.
• Participates in Quality Management Customer Service.
• Participates in facility conferences, task forces and committees as assigned.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels, patients and their families, and customers from outside facilities.
• Precepts new staff and cardiology trainees in their development of echocardiography imaging skills.
• Serves as a consultant to other health care professionals related to echo procedures.
• Assists the scheduling clerk in determining appropriateness of consults, triage and priority.
• Follows hospital policy and Reusable Medical Equipment SOP on the set up, use, reprocessing and maintenance of all equipment and supplies per manufacturer instructions for use.
• Completes initial RME competency during orientation and then annual competency validation.
• Performs complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the 4 chambers of the heart and valves using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement and pericardial effusion, thrombus, and pressure gradients across obstructed valves.
• Independently performs 2D transthoracic examinations and makes decisions for saline / contrast injection studies and LV cavity opacification agent use.
• Coordinates the echo lab function arranging for TEE, stress echo and dobutamine stress tests for outpatient and inpatient studies - coordinating with providers.
• Receives patients, explains procedure, assists patient in preparation for the procedure with clothing, position, transfer, performs exam.
• Completes check-in / out on each patient in CP User and CPRS and enters encounter codes for report and event capture.
• Assists staff cardiologist / attending MD with obtaining 3D transesophageal echocardiography and images for evaluation of patients with complicated valvular and structural heart disease using digital acquisition.
• Performs strain imaging in echocardiography as needed and indicated.
• Works with echo lab director and manager to develop protocols for standardization of imaging views during echocardiographic procedures.
• Orders and maintains supplies such as contrast agents, IV supplies, linens and ancillary supplies.

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