Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Catheterization)

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

01Basic Requirements

Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a)). English Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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 at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For the Cardiac Catheterization Technicians functional area, review below the specific certification appropriate to the specialty.

Cardiac Catheterization Technicians perform, under a physician's direction, diagnostic tests, both invasive and noninvasive, of the pulmonary system (lung) and the cardiovascular system (heart and circulation). They operate, monitor, and collect data from instruments used in procedures such as cardiac catheterization, angiography, valvuloplasty, angioplasty, electrophysiology studies, cardiac pacing, or cardiac pacemaker or leadwire insertion.

Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date (6/7/2012) of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.

02Grade Determinations

In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in this specific position, must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-9 Grade Level. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. Experience.

At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. This would be experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of cardiac catheterization technician services.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment.

Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects, and to write policies, procedures, and protocols, that pertain to the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.** Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.

Ability to manage and supervise employees. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. (Please submit certification upon possession, not a requirement but encouraged) Assignments.

For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory medical instrument technician (cardiac catheterization) may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level.

The Professional Standards Board will review proposed non-supervisory special assignments for the GS-9 level and make a determination regarding their appropriateness. These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number and must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance level.

03Preferred Experience

5 years of experience in cardiology and participates in on-call rotations. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9.

04Physical Requirements

Able to meet the physical demands of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing duties of this job the Cardiac Catheterization Technician is frequently required to stand walk, bend and reach. May require long periods of standing and wearing of lead apron, gloves, mask, and gown and eye shields during diagnostic procedures. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 45 pounds.

They must have good manual dexterity and keyboarding skills. Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word. Must be able to view and read information on computer screens.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: The incumbent is specially trained in the performance of: Measurement and analysis of cardiac electrocardiogram waveforms. Operation of fluoroscopic equipment utilized in imaging. Identification and analysis of electrocardiogram intervals, segments, and complexes. Application of oxygen therapy and analysis of pulse oximetric measurement. Intravenous access for IV therapy and phlebotomy sampling.

Performance and analysis of standard 12 lead electrocardiogram. Data input, troubleshooting, and analysis of the digital X-ray Unit (Philips). Performance of non-invasive blood pressure measurements with the identification of normal/abnormal values and initiation of the treatment plan. Operation of a variety of medical equipment including video equipment. Transfer patients to and from stretchers and wheelchairs to the radiographic table.

Prepare the room for procedures, gather equipment and materials needed for patient procedures. Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures in the invasive suite. Work Schedule: 7am - 5:30pm, 4 days a week Compressed/Flexible: Compressed Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 50647F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized