Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)

Summary

The Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) is in the Specialty Care Service of the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This position is physically located at the Gene Taylor Veterans' Outpatient Clinic in Springfield, Missouri.

Duties

This announcement has been extended till 11/16/2026. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) duties include but are not limited to: Prepare patients and calibrate sleep equipment and physiological calibrations on patients. Explain pre-testing, testing, and post-testing procedures to the patient. Prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments. Monitor patient safety parameters and physiological data in the sleep lab for all emergencies. Recognize emergent situations, provide competent care, CPR, and notifying the Rapid Response / Code Blue teams in these events. Monitor and interpret all montage signals including EEG, EOG, EKG, EMG, respiratory channels, snore channel, and SPO2 channel. Utilize the 10-20 neurological measuring system to ensure accurate EEG electrode placement and recording procedures. Initiate and titrate CPAP, BiPAP, and ASV therapy for patients with complex sleep-disordered breathing. Perform split-night sleep studies requiring rapid assessment and adjustment of PAP therapy. Monitor and troubleshoot of advanced PAP modalities including adaptive servo-ventilation and volume-assured pressure support systems. Identify and treat sleep related breathing disorders. Responsible for proper articulation of the study details, times, respiratory rates, heart rates, cardiac arrythmias, supplemental oxygen therapy, Myoclonus, sleep breathing disorders, neurologic events, parasomnias, SPO2 readings, and Rem behavior disorders. Oversee and perform difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions, to include providing training and supervision to Medical Instrument Technicians (Polysomnography) that are working in a developmental capacity. Follow procedural protocols [such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, PAP, oxygen titration etc.] to ensure collection of appropriate data. Stage score the patients sleep study and event score study, based off the AASM scoring parameters and standards. Use of CPAP, BIPAP (S, ST, with and w/o backup rate), AVAPS, as well as all modes of titration therapy. Proper titration methods time between increase, spread between Ipap and Epap, timed inspiration, breathing rate, ramp, ect. Interpret Sleep study reports. Interpret CPAP download reports. Recognize and score complex sleep disorders including parasomnias, narcolepsy, REM behavior disorder, periodic limb movement disorder, and central sleep apnea. Interpret support through detailed technical reporting and physician communication regarding abnormal or urgent findings. Provide briefings and sleep study results to fellow Medical Instrument Techs (Polysomnography), Sleep Supervisor, Cardiopulmonary Chief, and requesting Physicians. Initiate performance improvement projects for the Sleep Lab to streamline processes and make the lab more efficient. Maintain current knowledge on JCAHO and polysomnography regulations to ensure compliance with sleep study protocols and patient care requirements. Assist with writing and developing policies, procedures, and protocols for the Sleep Lab in response to new trends in sleep medicine. Trains developmental Medical Instrument Technicians (Polysomnography) on operational procedures for the sleep lab. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 564-01713-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: To qualify for the GS-09 level, your resume must demonstrate the required experience necessary to possess the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) required for the grade. Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography), GS-09 (a) 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 must fully meet the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) at that level. GS-08 KSAs: 1) Advanced knowledge or the International Classification of Sleep Disorders and the ability to recognize uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. 2) Ability to summarize and report polysomnographic data in narrative form. 3) Knowledge of event characteristics (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, sleep stage, seizures, etc.) and ability to take appropriate action. 4) Ability to provide briefings and orientation to hospital staff including physicians. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, you must demonstrate ALL of the following KSAs in your resume: 1) 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 Polysomnography. 2) Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3) Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. (c) Certification. Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. Preferred Experience: RPSGT credentialing, 3 years of sleep medicine experience in laboratory setting, and EEG experience. 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-09. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. How You Will Be Evaluated

Area of consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: 1st Area of Consideration - current permanent "Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks" employees; 2nd Area of Consideration - current permanent Veterans Healthcare Administration employees; 3rd Area of Consideration - current permanent VA Nationwide employees; and 4th Area of Consideration - all other applicants IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. Other Information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.