Medical Instrument Technologist (Ultra Sound) Job in Albany, NY

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

DUTIES:

• Receives and interprets requests for all ultrasound procedures. Incumbent performs ultrasound studies, records and processes images for interpretation by the staff radiologist.
• The spectrum of exams performed include abdomen for tumor, cysts, abscesses, hematomas, inflammatory processes such as pancreatitis or acute cholecystitis, retroperitoneum, aorta, kidneys, adrenals and nodes. Pelvic exams including trans-vaginal for uterus and ovaries are performed.
• Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment to approve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan. This includes: preparation and supplies, scanning motions, TCG (Time Compensated Gain), zoom or expansion, hard copy, picture-oriented examination, organ-oriented examination and initial interpretation of the examination. Interpreting the examination requires identifying normal and pathologic appearances.
• Controls technical factors on ultrasound unit, which will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction and diffraction.
• 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.
• Coordinates examination scheduling.
• Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate the patients.
• Maintains records of patients treated, exams performed, scans taken, etc.
• Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from radiologist or medical officers.
• Carries out the requests made by physicians, adjusting and utilizing appropriate CPT codes for exams.
• Performs portable sonographic exams, when necessary or as requested, with mobile units in the ED, ICU, OR or at bedside.
• Employee receives a variety of difficult examinations including care of trauma cases, critically ill patients, isolation patients and other emotionally and physically impaired individuals.
• Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to compensate for and adjust to patients' medical conditions. Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures. Administers contrast materials orally, rectally, and/or intravenously whenever applicable under supervision.
• Employee prepares examination and procedure rooms with sterile supplies, local anesthetics and any supplies required for given exams. He/She is knowledgeable and proficient in sterile techniques, isolation and reverse isolation procedures.
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions (in the case of injected media, a patient consent form must be obtained, when indicated). Special procedures with ultrasound imaging support may require the use of needles, syringes, ionic and non-ionic contrast, barium, enema bags and gastrografin. The sonographer must know the effects and adverse reactions associated with these agents. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it. Must continuously monitor the patient's condition. Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Employee must be knowledgeable in the procedures for handling adverse reactions including CPR certification, and preparing incident reports in CPRS.
• Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the cardiac system. Explains to competent patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure.
• Observes and complies with National Safety Goals involving accuracy of patient identification, effective communication among caregivers, improving safety in using medications, infection control, among others.
• Cleans and sterilizes equipment, transducer probes, and area after use. Performs routine maintenance and recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to ensure repair. Maintains supplies and prepare for the day's schedule with all necessary materials.
• Performs picture archival duties. The technologist captures scan images, applies an algorithm, configures the image, and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. This procedure requires the technologist to have a general knowledge of computer operations.
• Technologist is expected to troubleshoot equipment for error or malfunction. Participates in training affiliated diagnostic ultrasound tech students and new employees

Requirements

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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's 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).

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/25/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12750874.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.