Medical Instrument Technician; Cardiac Catheterization

Overview

The Cardiovascular Technician functions independently as a member of the cardiovascular lab under the supervision of the nurse manager. This advanced level technician works with the patient care team that includes registered nurses, cardiovascular technologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other providers. The incumbent is responsible for assisting to develop and implement systems to assure the smooth and efficient flow of patients for procedures in the Cardiovascular.

Applicants must meet the requirements by the closing date of this announcement 10/30/2025.

• United States Citizenship:
  Must be US Citizen
• 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 - per VA Handbook 5005 - Qualification Standards
• 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
• Licensure or Certification - Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Desired certifications include:
  Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications;
  Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)
• If obtained - documents must be submitted with application
• GRADE REQUIREMENTS:
  In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates
• Specialized Experience
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level - GS-08 - which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled - and applicant must fully meet the KSAs listed below
• This required experience includes:
  Experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of cardiac catheterization technician services
• Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions
• Cardiac catheterization technicians at this level function as full members of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Team
• They scrub, circulate, operate equipment, etc.
  
  - on the most complex examination and treatment procedures including procedures such as endocardial biopsy, radio frequency ablation procedures, and intra-aortic balloon pump therapy for very critical patients
• They prepare and administer cardiac medications as directed by the attending physician
• They mentor and train lower graded technicians, nurses, nursing students, and cardiopulmonary technology students on cardiac catheterization laboratory procedures and assist the supervisor/manager with quality control and performance improvement activities
• Additionally - the knowledge, skills, and abilities at the next lower grade level to meet (GS-8) include:
  Ability to scrub, circulate, and monitor advanced procedures (including electrophysiological) to include rotablation, intravascular ultrasound, RADI or wave-wire, angio-jet, filter wires, myocardial biopsies, EPS, permanent pacemaker insertions, AICD insertions, and biventricular pacemaker insertion
• Advanced knowledge of equipment, medications, and supplies used in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and the ability to set-up, calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot this equipment
• Knowledge and understanding of wave forms from the great vessels and all chambers of the heart including the ability to recognize and distinguish normal from abnormal, artifact from abnormality, and forewarn the physician of an impending life-threatening situation
• Knowledge of quality control and performance improvement indicators for the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and ability to prepare and analyze quality control of test results
• These competencies may be demonstrated through narrative responses or resume/CV, per requirements; ensure your resume contains sufficient information…