Medical Instrument Technician; Polysomnography

Performs the full range of complex tests using specialized equipment that requires precise adjustments to respond to individual patient needs. Tests consist of partial and full Polysomnography - positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy devices setup and operation - and telemedicine equipment operation.

• Basic Requirements:
  • a
  • Citizenship
  • Citizenship of the United States
  • (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - this part.) b
• 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
  • For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments - specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations"
  • See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency:
  • Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this part
• Physical Requirements:
  • Polysomnography Technicians operate the electroencephalograph and other devices to record the electrical activity of the brain during sleep
  • Registration is offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT)
• Experience & KSAs:
  • GS-6 (a)
    
    Experience:
    
    At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
  • GS-6 (b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities:
    • Knowledge of standard - computerized polysomnographs for recording continuous all night physiological data including EEG - EOG - EKG - EMG and respiratory parameters
    • Knowledge of standard devices such as oximeters - respiratory effort devices - nasal pressure devices - thermistors - thermocouples - continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines - and laboratory computers including the ability to calibrate and operate the equipment and recognize and eliminate recording artifacts
    • Knowledge of medical terminology and medical record organization to review medical records - sleep study orders - consent forms - medical charts - etc
    • Knowledge of polysmnographic procedural protocols (including overnight sleep studies - MSLT - MWT - PAP - etc.)
    • Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology and the international 10-20 electrode placement system in order to conduct the sleep studies
  • GS-7 (a)
    
    Experience:
    
    ...
  • GS-7 (b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities:
    • Knowledge of CPAP function and operation to select and fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices
    • Ability to independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals
    • Knowledge of indications - complications - and contraindications of CPAP therapy
    • Knowledge of Bi-Level pressure titrations
    • Ability to recognize changes seen during the PSG tracing and identify all stages of sleep, including scoring and analyzing sleep stages in clinical polysomnography recordings
  • GS-8 ...
• Preferred Experience: RPSGT - RST or CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS preferred and a minimum a 1 year of experience
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• 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-6 to GS-8.

• Checks in and stages patients for CPAP clinic
• Assists patients with proper fit for PAP equipment and masks
• Sets up the exam rooms to assure sterile supplies and other required equipment are carefully selected and properly presented as determined by the test being performed
• Sets up the PAP equipment - performs quality checks to ensure readiness for use during…