Duties
The primary duty of the Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) is to independently monitor patients during all stages of sleep utilizing a variety of sophisticated recording devices as well as scoring and analyzing sleep stages and events in clinical polysomnographic recordings (PSG), Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakerfulness Tests (MWT), home sleep test recordings (HST), nocturnal oximetries (SpO2).The Polysom Technician is knowledgeable in more complex procedures as well as uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. The Polysomnographic Technician assists with patient education and other departmental activities to include the CPAP program. Duties include but not limited to:
- Responsible for reviewing patient history as it relates to sleep disorders and other medical conditions which may affect the diagnosis of sleep disorders.
- Responsible for explaining the various procedures to the patient and independently performs the following tests or procedures as assigned: diagnostic PSG, titration PSG, Split-night PSG, MSLT, MWT, HST, Oximetry, and actigraphy.
- Independently performs sleep monitoring on individuals with possible sleep apnea or other breathing related sleep disorders and/or arterial desaturations secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other medical conditions.
- Independently performs sleep monitoring on individuals with other potential sleep disorders including, but not limited to, narcolepsy and periodic limb movement disorder.
- Independently applies continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) and other advanced modalities to appropriate levels per established protocols.
- Applies oxygen therapy as needed per established protocols.
- Responsible for the safe and proper operation of all equipment used in the Sleep Center.
- Verifies correct instrument calibration and operation using established procedures.
- Identifies the cause of common problems and notifies engineering service when appropriate.
- Obtains technical or factory assistance in order to fully utilize the equipment to its full potential.
- Accurately scores sleep studies, MSLTs, MWTs, HSTs, and prepares reports when assigned.
- Assists with CPAP clinic for equipment initiation and instruction, follow-up, and compliance monitoring when assigned.
- Utilizes sleep software: Natus, ZZZPAT, Care Orchestrator, ResMed AirView, Somnoware in the performance of polysomnography, HST, oximetry, actigraphy and CPAP compliance when assigned.
- Provides patient education during the performance of in-lab and home sleep studies, when assisting with CPAP clinic, and may assist with sleep education classes.
- Possess computer skills to access and input typed data on each patient into the computerized patient record system (CPRS), VetLink for patient check-in for appointments, Vista for viewing scheduled appointments and Microsoft Outlook and Teams for communication.
- Keeps inventory of supplies and initiates purchase requests in a timely fashion to avoid disruption of scheduled studies when assigned.
- Interacts with staff physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders and may provide briefings and orientation to hospital staff including physicians.
- Assists with maintaining department spread sheets for department performance measures.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor or designee.
Major duties include, but are not limited to:
- The Sleep Technologist also recommends changes in the Sleep Medicine Clinic to improve services and patient care. The Sleep Technologist resolves technical work problems with the aid of references, such as manuals, troubleshooting guides, and other reference sources.
- The Sleep Technologist will be responsible in assisting the Lead and Supervisor, Sleep Medicine Services for updating manuals and procedures and recommending policies, which will keep Sleep Medicine Clinic up to date.
- The Sleep Technologist will report progress and resolution of problems in achieving goals and objectives to the Lead and Supervisor, Sleep Medicine Services.
- The Sleep Technologist will assist the Lead and Supervisor, Sleep Medicine Services for in planning and implementing effective educational programs for in services, orientation, continuing education, and other personnel training in the Sleep Medicine Clinic.
- The Sleep Technologist participates in the training of Sleep Medicine Staff, Medical Students, House Staff, Nursing Staff, other Medical Center personnel, and patients.
- The Sleep Technologist provides care based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served in his/her assigned area (i.e. adult and geriatric patient populations).
Work Schedule: Saturday 4:00pm -7:00am , Sunday - Monday 5:30pm - 7:00am
Compressed Schedule: Available
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 80165F
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- 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.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications
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.
Basic Requirements:
- 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.)
- 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.
- 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"
Grade Determination:
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 related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided a knowledge of the more complex procedures as well as knowledge of the uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Advanced knowledge or the International Classification of Sleep Disorders and the ability to recognize uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders.
- Ability to summarize and report polysomnographic data in narrative form.
- Knowledge of event characteristics (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, sleep stage, seizures, etc.) and ability to take appropriate action.
- Ability to provide briefings and orientation to hospital staff including physicians.
Basic Life Support or Advance Cardiac Life Support certification is desirable
References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G27 (Appendix I) Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8.
Physical Requirements: All Medical Instrument Technicians must be able to perform the following physical requirements:- Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over- Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over- Pushing- Reaching above shoulder- Use of fingers/ Both hands required- Walking/ Standing /Kneeling- Repeated bending
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/.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 29, 2025. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applicants is July 11th, 2025, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 11th of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as needed basis until the position(s) are filled.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Basic Life Support or Advance Cardiac Life Support
- Proof of Marriage Status
- Resume
- SF-15
- Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/29/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12747869.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.