Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)

About the role

The Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) is in the Specialty Care Service of the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This position is physically located at the Gene Taylor Veterans' Outpatient Clinic in Springfield, Missouri.

What you will do

• Prepare patients and calibrate sleep equipment and physiological calibrations on patients.
• Explain pre-testing, testing, and post-testing procedures to the patient.
• Prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments.
• Monitor patient safety parameters and physiological data in the sleep lab for all emergencies.
• Recognize emergent situations, provide competent care, CPR, and notifying the Rapid Response / Code Blue teams in these events.
• Monitor and interpret all montage signals including EEG, EOG, EKG, EMG, respiratory channels, snore channel, and SPO2 channel.
• Utilize the 10-20 neurological measuring system to ensure accurate EEG electrode placement and recording procedures.
• Initiate and titrate CPAP, BiPAP, and ASV therapy for patients with complex sleep-disordered breathing.
• Perform split-night sleep studies requiring rapid assessment and adjustment of PAP therapy.
• Monitor and troubleshoot of advanced PAP modalities including adaptive servo-ventilation and volume-assured pressure support systems.
• Identify and treat sleep related breathing disorders.
• Responsible for proper articulation of the study details, times, respiratory rates, heart rates, cardiac arrythmias, supplemental oxygen therapy, Myoclonus, sleep breathing disorders, neurologic events, parasomnias, SPO2 readings, and Rem behavior disorders.
• Oversee and perform difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions, to include providing training and supervision to Medical Instrument Technicians (Polysomnography) that are working in a developmental capacity.
• Follow procedural protocols [such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, PAP, oxygen titration etc.] to ensure collection of appropriate data.
• Stage score the patients sleep study and event score study, based off the AASM scoring parameters and standards.
• Use of CPAP, BIPAP (S, ST, with and w/o backup rate), AVAPS, as well as all modes of titration therapy.
• Proper titration methods time between increase, spread between Ipap and Epap, timed inspiration, breathing rate, ramp, ect.
• Interpret Sleep study reports.
• Interpret CPAP download reports.
• Recognize and score complex sleep disorders including parasomnias, narcolepsy, REM behavior disorder, periodic limb movement disorder, and central sleep apnea.
• Interpret support through detailed technical reporting and physician communication regarding abnormal or urgent findings.
• Provide briefings and sleep study results to fellow Medical Instrument Techs (Polysomnography), Sleep Supervisor, Cardiopulmonary Chief, and requesting Physicians.
• Initiate performance improvement projects for the Sleep Lab to streamline processes and make the lab more efficient.
• Maintain current knowledge on JCAHO and polysomnography regulations to ensure compliance with sleep study protocols and patient care requirements.
• Assist with writing and developing policies, procedures, and protocols for the Sleep Lab in response to new trends in sleep medicine.
• Trains developmental Medical Instrument Technicians (Polysomnography) on operational procedures for the sleep lab.
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility.
• Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (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 #: 564-01713-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

• 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 (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination.
• 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.

Education

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: ***

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: ***

How you will be evaluated

Area of consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: 1st Area of Consideration - current permanent "Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks" employees; 2nd Area of Consideration - current permanent Veterans Healthcare Administration employees; 3rd Area of Consideration - current permanent VA Nationwide employees; and 4th Area of Consideration - all other applicants IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Documents you must provide

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
• Resume Requirement: Your resume must include the following information: Job title Description of duties Beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment Average hours worked per week.
• SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Eligibility): Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
• The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Selections from this announcement will be made without regard to Veterans preference in accordance with OCHCO Bulletin dated 10/22/2026.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.

Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.