Medical Instrument Technician (EEG)

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.
• ENGLISH: Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.

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-06 Experience:
At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-5) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), and other characteristics as an EEG Tech Trainee. This experience may include operating and monitoring commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision; functioning somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity; and if there are deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations you refer to the supervisor for a decision or help. You operate the electroencephalograph and other devices such as evoked potential equipment to record the electrical activity of the brain. In addition, must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of basic medical terminology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and EEG interpretation.
• Ability to position patients for the examination or treatment including using standard alternate positions for patient with common physical disabilities.
• Ability to operate the appropriate EEG equipment to administer routine, standardized diagnostic or treatment procedures.
• Knowledge of normal and abnormal results to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures.
• Knowledge of universal precautions and basic sterilization methods to clean instruments to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• Knowledge of EEG and peripheral equipment to conduct routine maintenance and adjustment checks.

GS-07 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-6) which demonstrates the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) and other characteristics as an EEG Tech. This would be experience which provided you with the KSAs to independently conduct difficult but standardized electroencephalography examinations. In addition, must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Ability to perform more complex electroencephalography studies such as evoked potential (visual, auditory, somatosensory) and transcranial Doppler studies.
• Knowledge of medication effects related to electroencephalography studies and clinical situations requiring medication.
• Knowledge of life threatening or medically emergent testing or patient situations.
• Ability to recognize artifacts (patient or environmental) and document, eliminate, or take proper measures to monitor the artifact.

GS-08 Experience: . At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade (GS-7) 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 knowledge of the more complex procedures, the pharmacology related to this occupation, and knowledge of related acute disorders and diseases and their effects on organs and methods of treatment.In addition, must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Ability to interpret testing data to evaluate critical information for surgeons and other medical staff during testing procedures.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and the ability to understand the relationship of EEG and evoked potential testing in detecting states of disease and health.
• Knowledge of behavior assessment during seizure attacks in order to insure adequacy of recordings during seizure discharges.
• Knowledge of a variety of advanced EEG equipment and peripheral equipment such as equipment for brain mapping, video EEG telemetry systems with seizure detection computers, and spike analysis software.
• Knowledge of anticonvulsant medications and their effects on the EEG as well as other frequently used pharmaceuticals.
• Ability to adapt neurodiagnostic devices, parameters, and procedures to complex, unusual, and often critical situations.

Preferred Experience: The preferred candidate is one with BCLS and or ACLS as well as Registration.

Reference: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27 & F. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7.

Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion. It involves walking, frequent bending and pushing and pulling wheelchairs, stretchers or other equipment and assisting patients to and from the exam table. Duties require above average dexterity.