Medical Instrument Technician (Electrocardiograph Technician-EKG)

Summary Medical Instrument Technicians (Electrocardiograph Technicians / EKG) operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform exercise stress testing, Holter monitoring, cardiac event monitoring, and mandatory ECG studies on patients. They interpret tracings, recognize abnormalities, and provide immediate care or notification to physicians. Responsibilities Stress Test: Assist in exercise treadmill and pharmacologic stress tests; inform patients; prepare skin and apply electrodes; monitor blood pressure and ECG; observe for changes necessitating protocol modification; operate computerized ECG equipment; terminate exercise or pharmacologic stress if indicated; initiate CPR if needed. Holter Monitor: Prepare patients for Holter monitoring; apply electrodes and baseline; read Holter tapes; prepare arrhythmia summaries; notify physicians of significant arrhythmias. Cardiac Event Monitor: Instruct patients in use and application of event monitors; receive telephone transmittal; recognize significant arrhythmias; inform reading physician and supervising physician; report malignant arrhythmias and ischemia patterns. EKG: Record routine and emergent 12‑lead ECGs on outpatients and hospitalized patients; perform appropriate lead placements; download ECGs to GE‑MUSE; assist during tilt testing and pharmacologic interventions; warn physicians of adverse drug effects. Other Duties: Instruct residents, fellows, and medical students on procedures and interpretation; maintain equipment and perform minor repairs; report malfunctions; support the EKG Administrator with data, training, and reports; act as backup admin when needed. Basic Requirements United States citizenship; non‑citizens only if no qualified citizens available. At least one year of comparable experience in medically related fields (e.g., nursing assistant, practical nursing) and six months operating diagnostic/therapeutic equipment; or two years of education beyond high school/associate’s degree majoring in medical instrument technician occupation. Knowledge of basic medical terminology. Ability to learn equipment characteristics, settings, and patient reactions; recognize signs of distress. Ability to communicate orally and in writing; English language proficiency. Proficiency in spoken and written English per 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). May qualify under Grandfathering Provision for current VA employees as described in VA Qualification Standard. Qualifications At least 1 year of experience comparable to GS‑6 level; demonstration of KSAs related to equipment operation and patient monitoring. Knowledge of typical patient reactions and ability to recognize, report, and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias. Knowledge of common equipment settings, standardized procedures, errors and corrective measures. Ability to modify procedures/positions for patients with complications (e.g., amputations, Parkinson’s). Ability to mentor/junior technicians; conduct in‑service training. Benefits and Compensation Work schedule: Monday‑Friday 8:00 am‑4:30 pm. Sign‑on bonus may be offered. Salary is competitive with regular increases. Paid time off: 37–50 days annually (13–26 days leave, 13 days sick, 11 federal holidays). Parental leave: up to 12 weeks after 12 months. Child care subsidy for eligible employees. Retirement: federal pension and 401(k) with up to 5 % contribution. Mandated radiation badge and training. Veterans Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr