Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37-50 days of annual paid time off

Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave

Federal health, vision, dental insurance

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a full-time Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System. This role involves conducting sleep studies and providing patient education regarding sleep disorders.

Ideal candidates will have experience with polysomnography and effective communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary, generous paid time off, a federal pension, and various insurance options.

Qualifications

• Advanced working knowledge of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders.
• Ability to summarize polysomnographic data.
• Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct unattended sleep studies and perform technical support during outpatient sessions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and manage emergency supplies.
• Participate in education, quality assurance, and departmental audits.

Skills

Experience with polysomnography

Communication skills

Supervisory abilities

Knowledge of JCAHO

Education

No specific educational requirements for GS-4/5

English proficiency

Tools

PAP devices

Portable monitors

Job description

Summary

The VA Central Iowa Health Care System is recruiting for 1 full‑time Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) for the Specialty Care Service Line.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
• Education: No specific educational requirements for this occupation; education may be substituted for experience only at the GS‑4 and GS‑5 levels.
• Licensure or Certification: Not required, but strongly desirable at GS‑6 or above as evidence of essential knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Grade Determinations: GS‑9 Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) Experience – at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level.
• Required KSAs: Advanced working knowledge of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders; ability to summarize polysomnographic data; working knowledge of event characteristics; providing briefings to hospital staff; technical KSAs including knowledge of JCAHO, communication skills, supervisory abilities, and staff development.
• Preferred Experience: Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT); Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Duties

1. Conduct diagnostic testing: unattended sleep studies, attending studies, and titration studies, including distributing, retrieving, downloading portable monitors, scoring, and conducting quality assurance of out‑of‑laboratory testing.
2. Provide patient education and instruction regarding sleep disorders and CPAP treatment, distribute educational materials, and address patient questions.
3. Offer technical support during outpatient clinic sessions, serve as liaison between patient and provider, fit and adjust PAP devices, troubleshoot PAP equipment, and order supplies as needed.
4. Maintain laboratory equipment: follow maintenance schedules, manage emergency supplies, keep the work area and equipment clean, perform rescoring, cover for absent personnel, and support new technology/equipment development.
5. Participate in continued education, quality assurance, and departmental audits—gather and analyze data for internal projects and review departmental policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements

Applicants will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre‑employment process.

Work Schedule

Full-time – night shift.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time offer per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
• Child Care Subsidy: Eligible employees may receive up to 25% of eligible childcare costs, subject to income limits.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% VA contributions.
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care.
• Telework/Virtual: Not available.