Summary

An Echocardiography Technician at this level is responsible for performing echocardiography exams which range from the routine to the complex in all echocardiography modalities - which may require problem solving - communication and writing skills - as well as knowledge of regulatory and industry compliance and accreditation issues.

Qualifications

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:

• Citizenship
• Citizenship of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - this part.) 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
• See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions
• 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
• Grade Determinations: GS-8 Experience
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-7 which includes but not limited too: The anesthesia technician at this level assists anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in routine anesthetic procedures under general supervision
• The technician will connect and operate non- invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment - blood and fluid warmers (e.g. - Hot Line and Ranger) and patient warming devices (e.g. - Bair Hugger)
• The technician will exercise moderate independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties
• In addition to the above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities 1
• Knowledge of the correct use of invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology
• 2
• Knowledge of basic electrocardiography (EKG)
• 3
• Skill and ability to troubleshoot equipment - often while the patient is anesthetized
• 4
• Skill and ability to maintain sterility during procedures
• 5
• Knowledge and understanding of arterial pressure line wave forms including the ability to recognize and distinguish normal from abnormal - artifact from abnormality - and forewarn the physician or anesthetist of an impending life-threatening situation
• 6
• Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies - medications - and equipment appropriate to more difficult anesthetic procedures such as those found in inpatient settings with more acutely ill patients
• (c) Certification
• No certification is required
• however - it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification
• 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)
• Preferred Experience: A minimum of four (4) years' experience as a full-time echocardiographer demonstrating advanced knowledge - skill - and abilities for all modalities of echocardiography scanning and information analysis is preferred
• 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-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• The duties include - but are not limited too: Echocardiography Technician is under the general supervision of the Supervisory Echocardiography Technician
• The employee is responsible for planning and carrying out their assignment - resolving independently most of the conflicts that arise - coordinating with VA staff and affiliates as necessary - and interpreting policy on own initiative in terms of established objectives
• The Echo Technician keeps the Supervisory Echo Technician informed of progress and potentially controversial matters
• Duties include providing Echo services in more complex cases
• The Echo Technician performs studies independent of physician over-the shoulder supervision
• Although each study follows an overall standard format approved by the Chief of Cardiology - he/she is expected to modify the study to demonstrate any unexpected abnormalities encountered during the study
• In practically all cases the Echo Technician handles all problems and deviations - rarely consulting the physician
• The Echo Tech communicates life-threatening abnormalities and critical results to the appropriate physician(s) in a timely manner
• The Echo Technician must have knowledge of regulatory requirements for Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and lab accreditation issues (IAC)
• In the absence of the Supervisory Echo Tech - the GS-8 Echo Technician may be asked to assume the responsibilities of supervising the Echo lab if need be
• The incumbent must assist the supervisor in writing lab procedures - protocols and policies for Quality Assurance and IAC accreditation (as needed) - in addition to assisting with special projects and database operations
• Work Schedule: M-F 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 0000