This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more 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. 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". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English Grade Determinations: GS-9 In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, 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 specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 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 diagnostic ultrasonography. *2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *4. Ability to manage and supervise employees. *5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory echocardiography technicians may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level. The Professional Standards Board will review proposed non-supervisory special assignments for the GS-9 level and make a determination regarding their appropriateness. These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number and must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance level. References: VA Handbook 5005/13 Part II Appendix G27, March 17, 2006 Physical Requirements: This position involves walking, frequent bending, reaching and stretching to assemble, set up, and take apart equipment. The incumbent also carries, pulls, and pushes moderately heavy objects, such as equipment and supplies. Above average dexterity is required. ["The Echocardiographer at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) has a primary responsibility for performing echocardiographic examinations. In this role, the sonographer performs the full spectrum of echocardiogram procedures to include; 2D/3D, M-Mode, 3D-transesohageal echocardiography, stress echocardiograms (to include: Treadmill, Reclining bike, contrast imaging, continuous and pulse wave Doppler with color kinesis, AQ mode an Full Volume Strain studies as required. The Cardiac Sonographer should demonstrate a high knowledge of the cardiac anatomy and physiology related to the cardiovascular function. The position also entails the need to perform studies which include various research protocols. This position requires the technologist to use independent judgment and problem solving skills to optimize the evaluation and tailor the examination to ensure comprehensive and accurate diagnosis. Note: The major duties include and not limited to: Performs, records and archives echocardiograms using digital technology. Performs 2D/3D, M-Mode, continuous and pulse wave Doppler and color flow imaging, color kinesis and AQ mode examinations as needed. Independently performs 2D transthoracic (TTE) examinations and makes decisions for saline/contrast (Definity) injection studies and LV cavity opacification agent use. Prepares and attaches patient to stress test equipment (Treadmill or Reclining Bike) and performs stress echocardiograms using digital acquisition and pharmaceuticals agent with and without LV cavity opacification agent (Definity). Assists staff cardiologist with 2D-transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography and acquires images utilizing digital acquisition. Coordinates the Echo Lab function arranging for TEE and stress echo, IV Team for Saline contrast and LV opacification agent (Definity) and inpatient transportation as required. Informs Cardiologist and referring healthcare provider of preliminary results of exam as needed. Receives patients, explains procedure, assist patient in undressing, getting off an on exam bed, performs exam, changes bed linen and disinfects equipment after each patient. Check-in and check-out patient in the DHCP System for event capture. Assures each patient is on the echocardiography worklist and enters preliminary data in the DHCP echocardiography medicine package. Maintains records of training for Echo, involved in the development and maintenance of competency records for the Cardiology Section. Responsible for performing various research studies and protocols and keeps current research certification and training. Assist staff cardiologist with 3D-transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography and acquires images utilizing digital acquisition. Works with attending cardiology physicians to develop protocols for standardization of imaging views during echocardiographic procedures. The sonographer will work independently for the majority of procedures. Should critical findings arise, the physician requesting the test must be notified of the results immediately. The sonographer consults with the physician after completion of each study. Otherwise, work is reviewed with the physician at the end of the shift. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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