Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care you will operate in a model with three core elements seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veterans community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor Americas Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

The MIT coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment ingenuity and initiative in the application of non-ionizing high frequency ultrasonic waves to humans for diagnosis of disease in the clinic or on the inpatient unit. Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan. Controls technical factors on ultrasound unit which will affect time gain amplitude velocity frequency attenuation absorption reflection scattering refraction and diffraction. Selects between non-focused fixed-focus linear phased array and annular phased array.

• Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient.
• Receives and identifies patients explains methods of procedures assists movement of patients to and from wheelchairs carts and tables positions the patient and performs examinations requested. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them.
• Performs ultrasonography studies records as well as prepares the processed media for interpretation by the Staff Radiologist.
• Maintains records of patients in the Vista radiology package.
• Gives input to the schedule and prepares patients for exams and explains procedures to patients while performing the studies.
• Obtains pertinent diagnostic examinations for the physician which may be necessary for correlation between the ultrasound scan and the clinical history.
• Performs diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body including but not limited to the abdomen pelvis transvaginal chest small parts thyroid breast and scrotum.
• Routinely performs vascular studies including carotid duplex ABI arterial duplex venous duplex renal artery duplex and visceral vascular exams of the abdomen. Regularly performs preoperative upper and lower extremity vein mappings vascular surgeons as well as chronic venous insufficiency studies.
• Assists radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location depth and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled.
• Assists in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. This requires performance and knowledge of sterile technique and strict enforcement.
• Differentiates artifacts from normal or pathological processes and recognizes electronic equipment limitations.
• Recognizes a diagnostic scan and consults with the Staff Radiologist to determine the proper diagnosis.
• Has knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• Performs other duties as assigned within scope of MIT technologist.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

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.
• 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.
• Physical Requirements. You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• 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.