Launch Your Career in Sleep Medicine: Medical Instrument Technician at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for sleep medicine? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a motivated Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) to join the team at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. This role is a vital component of the Directorate of Surgery, contributing to the health and readiness of our military personnel and their families.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of polysomnographic testing. Your core duties include:
- Independently performing and monitoring overnight polysomnographic studies.
- Preparing, calibrating, and troubleshooting complex monitoring equipment.
- Ensuring patient comfort and explaining procedures clearly.
- Interpreting complex data, including sleep stages, cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory patterns.
- Maintaining rigorous documentation standards for all patient observations.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Qualification Type | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Specialized Experience | 1 year at the GS-07 level performing polysomnography. |
| Education | 1.5 years of graduate study in Sleep Technology. |
| Combination | A hybrid of experience and graduate hours totaling 100%. |
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-08 position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must provide valid licenses or certifications relevant to the field.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is between $56,713 and $73,724 per year. In addition to base salary, highly qualified candidates may be eligible for:
- Recruitment incentives
- Student loan repayment programs
- Advanced-in-hire pay
- Standard federal benefits including retirement, life insurance, and health coverage.
Application Tips
Your application is your first interview. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less and contains detailed info on your hours worked per week. Do not use acronyms that aren't commonly understood. Ensure all certifications are attached to avoid automatic disqualification.
This position offers a stable, rewarding career path within one of the nation's most respected medical institutions. If you are ready to apply your technical expertise to support the military community, submit your application through the official portal before the October 23, 2026, deadline.
Why This Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) Job Matters
Launch your career in sleep medicine with the Defense Health Agency at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, where your expertise in polysomnography directly improves the health and readiness of those who serve.
Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) Job Overview
The Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, is seeking a skilled Medical Instrument Technician specializing in Polysomnography. This vital role operates within the Directorate of Surgery, Sleep Medicine, focusing on overnight diagnostic testing to support patient health. This is a Direct Hire position ideal for dedicated professionals who thrive in an evening-shift clinical environment and are committed to high-quality patient care.
Requirements for Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level, including performing polysomnography tests, analyzing results, and equipment maintenance.
- Education substitution is permitted via graduate-level coursework in Polysomnography or Sleep Technology.
- A combination of specialized experience and graduate-level education may be used to meet requirements.
- Must be able to pass a drug test and hold a Secret security clearance.
- Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
- Must provide proof of relevant licenses or certifications.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must register for Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)
- Proven track record in performing and monitoring overnight polysomnographic studies.
- Ability to independently operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot complex respiratory and sleep-monitoring equipment.
- Demonstrated skill in documenting significant patient observations during sleep cycles.
- Excellent communication skills for patient education and comfort during procedures.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Competitive retirement programs (FERS)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment for qualified candidates
- ✓Advanced-in-hire pay flexibility
- ✓Recruitment incentives for highly qualified individuals
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, clearly detailing your hours worked per week and specific dates of experience.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including licenses, certifications, and academic transcripts if using education to qualify.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of October 23, 2026.
- Verify your submission via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume does not exceed the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Use clear, plain language in your resume and avoid obscure acronyms.
- Explicitly state your hours worked per week for each listed role, as the agency does not make assumptions.
- Submit all required licenses and certifications at the time of application to avoid being rated ineligible.
- Monitor your email for status updates from the hiring agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary shift for this position?
This position is primarily for an evening shift. Specific hours will be discussed during the interview process.
Is telework allowed for this role?
No, this position is not eligible for telework due to the hands-on nature of the clinical and diagnostic responsibilities.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No. The application instructions explicitly state that resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated, world-class healthcare system. It delivers essential medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members and their families globally. By working with the DHA, you become part of a mission-driven organization that values excellence, readiness, and inspired professional care.