Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Cath Lab Tech)

Cardiac Catheterization Lab Techs work with physicians to complete both diagnostic & interventional invasive cardiac procedures including: LHC, RHC, PTCAs, Stent placement, IABP, IVUS, pressure wires, pericardiocentesis, temporary pacemakers, radial artery, peripheral, electrophysiology studies, implantable device placements, AICD placement.

The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Duties:

• Performs at an expert level for all essential functions and responsibilities as listed for lower grade levels.
• Works with the interdisciplinary team to obtain inpatient add-on information, and obtain patient history, labs, procedure type and corrects discrepancy or communicate contraindications to procedure if any exist with the interventional attending.
• Scrubs, circulates and monitors to assists the cardiologist, electrophysiologist, and or fellows during procedures and has a vast knowledge of procedures and equipment that includes but not limited to Intracardiac echocardiography, Intravascular ultrasound, fractional flow reserve, atherectomy devices (rotablator, shockwave), Impella, Intra-aortic balloon pump, optical coherence tomography, inflation devices, pericardiocentesis with drainage, cardiac biopsies, ablations (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, premature ventricular contraction), 3D mapping, temporary pacemaker, devices (permanent pacemakers, Implantable cardiac defibrillators, biventricular pacemakers, Implanted loop recorders, CardioMEMS, Patent Foramen Ovale closures), intracoronary pressure measurements, cardioversion, central line placement, selective peripheral arteriograms.
• Expert level knowledge of closure devices and hemostasis techniques and has the ability to teach others on proper deployment to prevent vascular complications.
• Sets up computers to acquire, reconstruct, and analyze data using various computer software and peripheral devices to quantify coronary lesions and to generate ventricular analysis reports, cardiac output, gradients, valve areas, and other diagnostic parameters for patient reports & advocate recommended interventional treatment based on measurements obtained with the interventional attending.
• Ensures that all procedural data is accurately recorded and mentors and monitors peers for precision. Accurately updates recording system to reflect pre, intra and post procedure processes to include adding or removing members to the recording system and updates the team regarding the changes made.
• Will always adhere to radiation safety: for patients as well as for staff. Anticipates patient's needs. Assists with collecting radiation monitoring data, and updates fluoroscopy exam setting according to procedure type as directed by Cardiology Attending.
• Acts as collegial resource and point of contact for obtaining needed supplies from outside facilities. Appropriately documents all transactions.
• Actively participates and serves as an example promoting Quality Assurance/Improvement processes.
• Ability to solve standard and nonstandard technical problems that the technician must coordinate with others to resolve. Applies a practical knowledge of the basic theories and principles of the scientific discipline (s) supported. Combining their knowledge with resourcefulness, initiative and independent judgment in locating precedents and resolving the details inherent to application.

The list of duties will continue in the Qualifications section of the JOA.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 0730-1600. Also, the position requires periods of "on call" status to ensure 24/7 coverage for emergencies. Must be able to report to duty within 30 minutes when in "on call" status.
Recruitment Incentive (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 #: 54709-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file until January 07, 2027.

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:

• 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.
• Experience: Using sterile surgical techniques using equipment, medications, and supplies to set-up, calibrate, operate, and trouble shoot such equipment used in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory; providing quality control for the equipment for test result analysis; and recognizing and distinguishing normal from abnormal heart functions to forewarn physicians of an impending life-threatening situations.
• 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". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition.
• 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.

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: GS-09

• 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.
  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 the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
  2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
  3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
  4. Ability to manage and supervise employees.
  5. 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.

Preferred Experience:

• RCIS and or RCES certifications
• 2 years of Invasive Cardiovascular Catheterization Technologist 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: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.

Continuation of Duties from Duties Section of JOA:

• Advanced Knowledge of electrophysiology, proper lead placement, as well as normal and abnormal EKG and hemodynamic tracings.
• In depth knowledge of infection control procedures and protocols.
• Participates in rotational CCL on call activities and serves as technical team leader.
• Ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible.
• Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to participate in evaluation of and initiate performance improvement projects, to write policies, procedures, and protocols that pertain to the CCL.
• Serves as a guide for trainees and CART-CL documentation.
• Knowledge of Joint Commission and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training.
• Advanced knowledge of equipment, medications, and supplies used in the CCL and the ability to set up, calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot this equipment.

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/.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

• 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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.