Launch Your Career as a Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician at the Iowa City VA

Are you a skilled sonographer looking to make a meaningful impact? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the Iowa City VA Health Care System is currently hiring a Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound). This position is ideal for professionals who value clinical excellence and wish to provide essential diagnostic support to the men and women who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As a Medical Instrument Technician, you will perform a wide range of ultrasound examinations. Key duties include:

Imaging: Performing routine and complex scans, including abdominal, vascular, and small-parts studies.
Technical Adjustment: Managing complex imaging settings to ensure high-diagnostic quality.
Patient Care: Conducting interviews to obtain medical history and explaining procedures clearly.
Radiology Support: Assisting with biopsy procedures and fluid aspirations.
Operational Support: Maintaining daily logs, scheduling exams, and managing department supplies.

Requirements

To be eligible for this role, you must meet several federal criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-8 level is required.
Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory.
Compliance: You must be able to pass a background check, drug screening, and comply with the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Salary and Comparison

This role is categorized at the GS-9 level. Below is a breakdown of how a Federal position compares to general private sector expectations.

Feature	Federal (VHA) Position	Private Sector (Typical)
Salary Range	$85,117 - $110,659	Varies by facility
Benefits	Comprehensive/Federal	Varies by employer
Patient Mission	Veterans focused	General public
Stability	High	Market dependent

Benefits

Working with the VA offers distinct advantages, including:

Consistent, competitive pay rates.
Access to federal health and retirement benefits.
A collaborative, academic-affiliated hospital environment.
Opportunities to participate in research and staff training initiatives.

Application Tips

To stand out, be sure to provide a detailed, long-form resume that explicitly outlines your experience with specific ultrasound modalities. Submit a separate document addressing the KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) to ensure your experience is fully highlighted. Finally, verify that all supporting documents—such as your transcript or professional certifications—are clearly labeled.

Serving our Veterans requires dedication and precision. If you are an experienced diagnostic ultrasound technician ready to contribute to a world-class healthcare system, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) Job Matters

Advance your career in medical imaging while providing life-changing care to those who have served our nation at the prestigious Iowa City VA Health Care System.

Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a skilled Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) to join our team in Iowa City. In this role, you will perform a comprehensive array of ultrasound procedures, ranging from routine screenings to highly complex diagnostic examinations. You will work independently to capture high-quality images, assist radiologists in specialized procedures, and contribute to a 5-Star CMS-rated healthcare environment that values innovation, clinical excellence, and a commitment to the whole-health needs of our Veterans.

Requirements for Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are not available).
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
Pre-employment drug screening.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-8 grade level.
Ability to demonstrate specific knowledge, skills, and abilities regarding diagnostic ultrasound techniques.

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications.
At least one year of professional ultrasound experience.
Specific registry experience in Abdomen, OB/GYN, and/or Vascular imaging.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Annual leave and sick leave accrual
✓Professional development and training opportunities
✓Participation in federal retirement programs
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Service credit for annual leave based on previous experience

💡 How to Apply Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) Job

Review all qualification requirements and ensure your resume details relevant experience.
Prepare your documents, including your CV/Resume, transcript (if applicable), and any required certificates or veteran documentation.
Log into your USAJOBS account and initiate the application for this position.
Complete the occupational questionnaire in full.
Submit your entire application package, including responses to KSA requirements, prior to the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Be specific: Do not assume the reviewer knows your background. Detail your duties and achievements clearly.
Address the KSAs: Providing a separate document answering the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities is highly recommended.
Check your documents: Ensure your transcript, certifications, and SF-50 forms are included if you are using them to qualify.
Submit early: Don't wait until the final hour of the deadline to submit to avoid technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this is an on-site, clinical position that requires the physical presence of the technician to perform examinations.

What is the schedule for this role?

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though the role involves availability for urgent or emergent clinical needs.

What certifications are preferred?

*A: Certification by ARDMS or CCI is highly desirable for this position.*

How often are applications reviewed?

*A: This is an open continuous announcement, and candidates are referred to the hiring manager every 1-2 weeks.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Iowa City VA Health Care System is more than just a medical facility; it is a 5-Star CMS-rated hub for innovation, research, and high-quality patient care. Since 1952, we have served over 50,000 Veterans across Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. By joining our team, you become part of a network that prioritizes whole-health, compassionate care and professional advancement.