Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)

Veterans Health Administration • Columbia, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) position is located at the Truman VA Medical Center in Columbia, Missouri. The incumbent renders Sleep Disorders Center services ordered by and in collaboration with physicians on all tours of duty, with minimal or no direct supervision. Working under a supervisor or designee, the technician provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders.

The position performs electroencephalography and polysomnography procedures and related examinations, operates complex digital and analog diagnostic medical equipment, and independently prepares patients, acquires data, and assesses the data. The technician monitors recordings, evaluates test results, troubleshoots equipment, and prepares detailed reports on findings.

This is a permanent GS-9 position. The work schedule is nights, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Telework and virtual work are not available. Recruitment, relocation, and permanent change-of-station assistance are not authorized.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position, demonstrating the knowledge needed to provide all aspects of polysomnography services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in polysomnography.
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship, except where appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy.
• Selected applicants must pass required pre-employment screening, background/security investigation, and onboarding requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is highly desirable.
• Licensure or certification is not required, but is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above.
• Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Render Sleep Disorders Center services ordered by and in collaboration with physicians on all tours of duty, with minimal or no direct supervision.
• Provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders under the direction of a supervisor or designee.
• Operate and monitor electroencephalographic and polysomnography equipment to perform examinations.
• Acquire and score polysomnography, MSLT, and MWT test data.
• Monitor tracings to identify abnormalities and suspicious activity.
• Evaluate test results to determine appropriate machine adjustments and alternative techniques.
• Maintain knowledge to make recommendations and prepare detailed reports on findings.
• Perform a full range of electroencephalograph and polysomnography procedures and related examinations.
• Operate complex digital and analog diagnostic medical equipment as part of assessments and treatments.
• Troubleshoot equipment to ensure accuracy.
• Use specialized EEG instruments to record electrical potentials from the brain, eyes, and skeletal muscle.
• Receive orders and consults for specific procedures.
• Schedule and instruct patients before procedures to support their confidence and cooperation.
• Independently prepare patients, acquire data, and assess acquired data.
• Provide training and supervision in complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques.
• Evaluate and initiate performance-improvement projects.
• Write policies, procedures, and protocols pertaining to polysomnography.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster-care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to family-income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term-care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed