Medical Instrument Technician (EKG)

About the role

This position serves as a Medical Instrument Technician (EKG) at the full performance level (GS-8) and functions as an independent technician performing a wide variety of specialized and complex electrocardiographic procedures across inpatient and outpatient settings within the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS).

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including an in-depth understanding of the functioning of the major systems and internal organs to interpret requests and to recognize the need for additional tests or a different position.
• Knowledge of pharmacology including the classification and administration of drugs, patient responses, and common dosages as related to this specialty is required.
• Ability to perform Signal Averaged ECG, Tilt table monitoring, electrophysiology monitoring, and event monitoring.
• Perform a wide variety of specialized and complex electrocardiographic procedures across inpatient and outpatient settings within the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System(CTVHCS).
• Performs and analyzes routine and specialized diagnostic cardiac procedures, including but not limited to: Electrocardiograms (ECGs), Exercise Stress Tests, Holter Monitor hookups and scanning, Signal Average (Late Potential) ECGs, Echocardiograms, Dobutamine Stress Echo, Stress Echocardiograms, Arterial Plethysmography, and Tilt Table Testing.
• Independently selects, operates, and calibrates equipment, ensuring accurate and reproducible test results.
• Works with a diverse patient population, including critically ill, isolated, and routine patients, and is responsible for recognizing and responding promptly to arrhythmias, ischemic changes, and acute myocardial infarction patterns.
• Initiates appropriate notification of physicians or emergency personnel when significant abnormalities or life-threatening conditions are observed.
• Calculates and interprets data such as arterial blood flow and hemodynamic responses during testing and documents all findings accurately in the patient record.
• Performs all procedures in accordance with established medical center and national standards to ensure accuracy, safety, and quality of care.
• Responsible for independently maintaining reports and documentation for all procedures performed across multiple CTVHCS sites.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for electrocardiography-related systems and workflows.
• Provides training and instruction to nursing, respiratory therapy, and medical students, as well as new technicians and clinical staff, on the correct techniques for obtaining electrocardiograms and the maintenance and operation of ECG equipment.
• Assists with competency assessments and provides feedback on best practices.
• Performs highly specialized and technical procedures such as T-Wave Alternans (TWA) and Tilt Table testing, requiring close coordination between physician and technician to ensure patient safety and diagnostic accuracy.
• Independently monitors and documents blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm strips, and other vital parameters, promptly alerting the physician to any abnormal findings or adverse patient responses.
• Maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and serves as a first responder in cardiac emergencies, initiating emergency procedures and assisting the code team when needed.

Requirements

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including an in-depth understanding of the functioning of the major systems and internal organs to interpret requests and to recognize the need for additional tests or a different position.

Knowledge of pharmacology including the classification and administration of drugs, patient responses, and common dosages as related to this specialty is required.

Ability to perform Signal Averaged ECG, Tilt table monitoring, electrophysiology monitoring, and event monitoring.

Perform a wide variety of specialized and complex electrocardiographic procedures across inpatient and outpatient settings within the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System(CTVHCS).

Independently selects, operates, and calibrates equipment, ensuring accurate and reproducible test results.

Works with a diverse patient population, including critically ill, isolated, and routine patients, and is responsible for recognizing and responding promptly to arrhythmias, ischemic changes, and acute myocardial infarction patterns.

Initiates appropriate notification of physicians or emergency personnel when significant abnormalities or life-threatening conditions are observed.

Calculates and interprets data such as arterial blood flow and hemodynamic responses during testing and documents all findings accurately in the patient record.

Performs all procedures in accordance with established medical center and national standards to ensure accuracy, safety, and quality of care.

Maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and serves as a first responder in cardiac emergencies, initiating emergency procedures and assisting the code team when needed.