Medical Instrument Technician (GI)

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.

Education : There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels.

See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. Licensure or Certification : Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation;

however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities.

For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition.

Physical Requirements : See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency : Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.

Medical Instrument Technician Gastroenterology (GI) assist the practitioner in endoscopic procedures, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound.

The technicians ensure proper performance of equipment, set up equipment, and reprocess endoscopic reusable medical equipment (RME).

Certification is offered by the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) for level one and level two training.

GI endoscope reprocessing certification is offered through the Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

Basic Developmental Levels : GS-4 Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee) Experience : At least 1 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- Education : 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.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs : 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. GS-5 Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee) Experience : At least 1 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.

This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas.

Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level.

OR- Education : Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs : Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions.

Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities.

Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine / standard diagnostic treatment or procedures. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine.

GS-6 Medical Instrument Technician (GI) Experience : At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs : Ability to set up endoscopy equipment, ensuring endoscopes and ancillary equipment functions properly.

Ability to aid the physician with standard and routine procedures such as colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to assist practitioner with routine standardized gastroenterology procedures.

Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure, recognizing disabilities or impaired mobility and assisting the patient as necessary.

Ability to reprocess and maintain specialty critical reusable medical equipment (RME), following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and universal precautions.

Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies.

Ability to manually clean and disinfect non-critical reusable equipment and surfaces, dispose of one time-use equipment and trash per facility policy, and restock supplies such as linens, suction equipment, and cleaning products.

Certification : No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

GS-7 GI Technician (Full Performance Level) Experience : At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled.

This would be experience which provided knowledge of proper performance of endoscopic equipment and procedures. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs : Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures.

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system, with ability to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures.

Ability to assist physician with specialized, complex procedures. Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOP's to clean reusable medical equipment (RME).

Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care.

Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies.

Ability to deliver patient care, including vital sign measurements and medication administration. Certification : No certification is required;

however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BLS certification. References : VA Handbook 5005, Part II Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard, Veterans Health Administration.

Preferred Experience : Previous GI or procedural area experience The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-7.