This position is located in Patient Care Services at the Truman VA Medical Center in Columbia, Mo, which is a Complexity Level 1c facility. Vascular Technicians or vascular sonographers operate diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as vascular blood flow, pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, cerebral, peripheral, and abdominal circulation. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-7 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-6) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which demonstrates that the technician has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform complex procedures requiring the ability to select appropriate equipment based on symptomology and the objective of the examination and the ability to adapt procedures and techniques to enhance diagnostic results. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to perform noninvasive vascular ultrasound procedures or examinations of upper and lower extremity, abdominal, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular vessels which require adaptation of procedures or instruments. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location and function of major body organs and structures as they relate to vascular ultrasonography. This would also include knowledge of physiological influences on the hemodynamics of blood flow. Knowledge of pharmacology and chemistry to understand drug reactions, action, effects, and method of administration specifically related to vascular ultrasonography. Knowledge of disease entities that impact the vascular system and their influence on the test results to select the appropriate procedures. Ability to obtain a patient history and perform and appropriate physical assessment based on patient presentation and type of exam to include observation, inspection, auscultation, and palpation. GS-8 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-7) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform noninvasive vascular ultrasound procedures as a senior technician. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of cross-sectional and longitudinal vascular anatomy in normal and abnormal vessels, anatomical planes and tissue structures, physiologic effects of disease entities that impact the vascular system, signs and symptoms of acute and chronic vascular disease, and the characteristic appearance of aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, thromboses, stenoses, occlusions, AV fistulae, and morphology of atherosclerotic plaque formulation. Ability to provide Doppler information of peripheral vessels; demonstrate characteristic differences related to the organs they supply; accurately quantify carotid artery stenoses; and identify and correlate specific waveform analysis, plethysmographic tracings, velocity changes, and pressure gradients characteristic of normal, obstructed, or occluded vessels or grafts. Ability to perform intracranial (transcranial) vascular examinations. Ability to operate the instruments to extract the highest quality image utilizing the appropriate transducer frequency, Doppler angle, focal zones, gain, depth, color map, wall filter, and sample volume. Ability to provide objective data to document progression or regression of disease. Preferred Experience: Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS) of by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) is highly desirable. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G27 II-G27-58 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular)- Functions independently performs studies, and records results of patient testing for physician review. Setup, operate and maintain cardiovascular equipment to include vascular ultrasound machine, electronic Doppler, duplex scanner and other monitoring devices that are available for Cardiovascular procedures. Perform Doppler echocardiograms and echo stress testing if trained to do so. Independently sets up inpatient appointments. Gathers brief history and physical pertinent to a peripheral vascular disease with familiarity with the associated signs and symptoms. Shows capability of recognizing indications for further studies beyond established and standardized procedures, and discusses with the providers as appropriate. Gives preliminary interpretations of the above-mentioned studies subject to final approval of supervising physician. Obtains familiarity with the computer system and scanner used to generate laboratory reports, uses the computer independently, and recognizes and report malfunctions. Develops processes, new test forms, etc. as new procedures are instituted. Familiar with the protocol established by the approving committees such as Medical Records Committee for the approval of forms for the patient's permanent medical record. Devises and maintains a protocol and procedure manual regarding the function of the Cardiovascular Laboratory and makes revisions and additions when necessary. Prepares patient education materials pertinent to vascular disease and related surgical procedures. Performs necessary patient teaching. Orders and maintains supplies as needed for the Vascular Lab. Cleans and maintains equipment per VHA policy and manufactures guidelines. Provides in-service sessions regarding Vascular Lab procedures to house staff, medical students, nursing students, hospital nursing personnel, and other groups as requested. Trains others in the performance of the above techniques and procedures. Receives sales representatives as necessary for the consideration of purchase of new equipment, supplies, and accessories. Responsible for record keeping of all procedures performed in the Vascular Lab.- Minor troubleshooting on all equipment used in the lab. When equipment needs repair, contacts appropriate biomedical Engineering staff. Provide other incidental services deemed appropriate by supervisor or lead technologist. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8am to 4:30p Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular)/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required References: Please provide \"References\" with application. At a minimum two current or former supervisors or from individuals who were in a position of a professional nature. Indicated if the Hiring Manager may contact."]

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