Medical Instrument Technician (GI)

Full Time, onsite
Veterans Health Administration
Albuquerque, United States of America

$ 36,440 - $ 65,657 / month

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Prepares procedural rooms for the performance of GI procedures with all required items for each procedure such as video equipment, endoscopes, endoscope flushing system, image management systems ERCP equipment, Fluoroscopy/x-ray, EUS equipment, computers and monitors, cautery units, and reprocessing equipment in accordance with appropriate Standard Operating Procedures
Plans and discusses each procedure with the GI team professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the GI procedures
Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex GI endoscopes
Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the GI procedures and anticipates the needs of the physician and/or registered nurse by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time
Applies various monitoring equipment, i.e., BP cuff, pulse oximetry probe, ecg leads, etc., when assisting with patient procedure preparation. Transports non-sedated patients to/from Admit/Recovery rooms via gurney or wheelchair
Handles all GI specimens appropriately
Responsible for the accountability for all GI instruments and equipment during the procedure
Assists the physician, and/or registered nurse with instrumentation necessary to perform the required procedure and treatment such as obtaining biopsies, brushings, performing polypectomies, inflation of balloon dilators, and injection of contrast solutions, approved medications, or medical devices during GI procedures. Prepares diagnostic biopsy specimens, assessing the adequacy of each, and placing in appropriate specimen bottle with appropriate labeling to meet pathology laboratory specifications during procedures
Assists in training medical and surgical residents, medical students, nursing students, GI Fellows, and new GI Team staff in the operation of equipment, proper techniques, handling of instruments, and GI procedures to include the assistant role for invasive procedures
Notifies outpatients of their upcoming GI procedure and instructs them on the correct preparation for their procedure
Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions
Assesses equipment needs and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials. Identifies equipment needing preventive maintenance or repair
Recognizes potentially hazardous situations and takes corrective action
Provides guidance, education, and support to GI staff, patients, and other MITs
Supervises volunteers, Intensive Therapy participants, aides, non-clinical team members, students, and other personnel
Provides guidance and support to professionals, and technical students of an approved GI technology program
Assists GI Team members in quality improvement activities
Updates personal knowledge regarding current trends in GI procedural technology through continuing education courses

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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.
Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation.
Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-06 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
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.

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:
Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee), GS-04:
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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
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.

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.

Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee), GS-05:
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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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.

Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology Technician), GS-06:
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:

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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 BLS certification.

Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology Technician), GS-07:
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:

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-04 to GS-07.

Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items.

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: .

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or 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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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 at .

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Conditions of Employment

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.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation.
Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-06 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
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.

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.

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.

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 BLS certification.

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.