Medical Instrument Technician; Anesthesia

Summary

The Anesthesia Technician assists the anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist in routine anesthetic procedures. This position is located in Surgery/Specialty Service Line and reports to the Chief Nurse Anesthetist.

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
• 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)
• Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia) Anesthesia Technicians perform logistical and technical support to anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists
• They maintain anesthesiology supplies and equipment - set-up anesthetizing locations and operate - monitor - and collect data from anesthesia related equipment
• In some cases Anesthesia Technicians will perform clinical laboratory functions - equipment preventive maintenance/repair - and specialized cardiac procedures such as cardiac output measurement - intra‑aortic balloon pumping - vessel cannulation - and autotransfusion services
• Certification at two distinct levels is offered by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT)
• Grade Determinations:
  In addition to the basic requirements for employment - the criteria discussed in the applicable headings - or that defined in the appendices - must be met when determining the grade of candidates
• 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…