Medical Instrument Technician (Electrocardiograph Technician-EKG)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A U.S. federal agency is seeking a Medical Instrument Technician (Electrocardiograph Technician) to operate EKG equipment and monitor patients' cardiac health. This role includes conducting stress tests, Holter monitoring, and emergency response during procedures. Applicants should possess an associate's degree or equivalent experience in a related medical field. Proficiency in English and U.S. citizenship are mandatory. Work environment includes clinical settings such as cardiac labs and ICUs, with potential exposure to radioisotopes.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens; non-citizens only if VA policy allows.
• Experience or education in medical instrument technician occupation required.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Assist in performance of exercise and pharmacologic stress tests.
• Monitor patients for exercise tolerance and take action in emergencies.
• Prepare patients for Holter monitoring and record ECGs.

Skills

Knowledge of basic medical terminology

Ability to communicate orally and in writing

Ability to learn components and settings of equipment

Ability to recognize signs of distress

English Language Proficiency

Education

Associate's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Overview

Medical Instrument Technicians (Electrocardiograph Technician) (EKG) operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies including exercise stress testing, ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias, and indirect carotid pulse tracings on chronic patients. They monitor tracings to identify arrhythmias, determine when to repeat procedures, when to stop tests, and when physician attention is required.

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

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Experience or Education - You must have one of the following: At least one 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 position to be filled
• Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields
• The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation
• Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level
• OR Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology
• Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used
• Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress
• Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing
• English Language Proficiency
• Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C.
• May qualify based on Grandfathering Provision as described in VA Qualification Standard (current VA employees only)

Grade Determinations

• GS-7 Medical Instrument Technician (EKG): At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-6) demonstrating the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities include:
• Knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress, including the ability to recognize, report, and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias
• Knowledge of common equipment settings and standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors and corrective measures
• Ability to modify procedures/positions to obtain correct results with patients with complicating conditions
• Ability to mentor or precept lower-graded technicians and conduct in-service training on EKG equipment

Responsibilities (Duties)

• Stress Test: Assist in performance of exercise treadmill and pharmacologic stress tests
• Inform patients about the protocol for exercise or pharmacologic stress testing
• Prepare the patient's skin and apply electrodes to eliminate interference
• Monitor blood pressure before, during, and after exercise or pharmacologic stress; observe ECG for changes requiring protocol modifications or test discontinuation
• Operate computerized ECG acquisition equipment
• Monitor patients for exercise tolerance and assist in determining when exercise must be terminated
• Be prepared to take appropriate action in the event of an emergency and initiate basic cardio-pulmonary resuscitation if needed

• Holter Monitor: Prepare patients for Holter monitoring, including teaching, skin preparation, electrode application, and acquiring a standardized baseline
• Read Holter tapes using automated reading station and prepare standardized arrhythmia summaries for physician review
• Recognize significant arrhythmias and inform the reading physician promptly

• Cardiac Event Monitor: Instruct patients in use and application; explain telephone transmittal methods and receive transmittals of arrhythmia recordings
• Recognize malignant arrhythmias and significant abnormalities and inform the physician in charge

• EKG: Record routine and emergent 12-lead ECGs for outpatients and inpatients; place leads appropriately and download recorded ECGs to the GE-MUSE system
• Assist in EKG monitoring during tilt testing/pharmacological interventions and warn the physician immediately of adverse drug effects

Other Duties

• Instruct residents, fellows, and medical students in non-invasive procedures and basic interpretation of tests
• Maintain equipment in good working order and report malfunctions to biomedical engineering or designee
• Support the EKG Administrator for data, training, and reports; back-up EKG administrator as needed

Work Environment & Hours

Clinical cardiac non-invasive laboratory on general patient floors and in intensive care units as required. Radioisotopes may be present for nuclear studies during exercise with nuclear medicine personnel assisting. Radiation badge required.