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. 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; desired certification:
- Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable.
- English Language Proficiency. All Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, in order to perform the duties in this position.
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:
Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Catheterization) 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(b)
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and basic electrocardiography.
2. Knowledge of sterile techniques, catheterization laboratory supplies, and equipment used in the procedures.
3. Ability to circulate, assist, monitor, and document hemodynamics and electrocardiograms during the procedure.
4. Knowledge of and ability to prepare intra-aortic balloon catheters.
(c)
Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable.
Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Catheterization) GS-7
(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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:(b)
Demonstrated
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Ability to assist with insertion of temporary transvenous pacemaker catheters.
2. Ability to maintain intra-aortic balloon pump equipment during procedures.
3. Ability to complete individual cases by pulling sheaths and holding pressure to obtain hemostasis.
4. Ability to assist with closure devices.
5. Ability to appropriately educate patients and patient families regarding procedures and post catheterization care.
(c)
Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable.
Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Catheterization) GS-8
(a)
Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(b)
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Ability to scrub, circulate, and monitor advanced procedures (including electrophysiological) to include rotoblation, intravascular ultrasound, RADI or wave-wire, angiojet, filter wires, myocardial biopsies EPS, permanent pacemaker insertions, AICD insertions, and biventricular pacemaker insertion.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Knowledge of quality control and performance improvement indicators for the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and ability to prepare and analyze quality control of test results.
Preferred Experience: 3 years in the Cath or EP lab and certified RCES or RCIS
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27
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.
Physical Requirements: Duties are performed in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and Electrophysiology Laboratory as well as other areas in Cardiology. The incumbent must be able to travel to treatment areas with ease. Majority of time is spent working in the labs wearing Lead Aprons of 20 - 40 pounds. The incumbent must be able to stand for up to 8 - 10 hours in a Lead Apron while providing patient care. The incumbent must be able to lift (up to) 20 pounds of equipment, supplies and records. Additionally, the incumbent will be required to transport patients on stretchers, beds and wheelchairs. When not in a Lead Apron, there is the potential for extended periods of sitting at computer terminals. The incumbent is expected to use proper preventive ergonomic techniques to perform duties.