The employee in this position functions as a "generalist" in the various sections of the laboratory. The technologist may work in areas such as hematology (including coagulation), bacteriology, mycology, virology, parasitology, immunology, serology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry (including endocrinology and toxicology), urinalysis, blood bank and phlebotomy. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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: A. Education and/or Experience Combination: (1) A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc. AND Completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree. OR, A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND Two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. OR, A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND Five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. B. Certification: Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below: (1) Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. (2) For positions up to the full performance level, candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H/SH), microbiology (M/SM), molecular biology (MB/SMB) and blood bank (BB/SBB). Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e. g., an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry). (3) Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may be given a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed one year as a graduate medical technologist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). This appointment may not be extended. For grade levels above the full performance level, the candidate must be certified. Failure to Obtain Certification: In all cases, MTs must actively pursue meeting prerequisites for certification from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the MT with the written requirement to obtain certification, the date by which the certification must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Failure to become certified within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the occupation and is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. Loss of Credential. Once certified, MTs must maintain their certification. Loss of certification will result in removal from the occupation and may result in termination of employment. C. English Language Proficiency: MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. Chapter 73 or 74. Preferred Experience: MT/MLS certification by the American Society Clinical Pathology/American Medical Technologists is preferred. Grade Determinations:GS-7 (Entry Level): (a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-9 (Full Performance Level): (a) Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. OR, (b) Education. Must have Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. 2. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement in order to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. 3. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. 4. Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. 5. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. 6. Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions. 7. Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes. 8. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. References: VA Handbook 5005/72 Part II Appendix G24The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07 to GS-09. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (40 lbs and over); Heaving Carrying (40 lbs and over); Pushing (up to 1-2 hours a day); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking/Moving (up to 6 hours); Standing (up to 6 hours); Sitting (up to 6 hours); Repeated bending/rising from a sitting position (up to 6 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination (may include fine motor coordination) simultaneously; Ability to distinguish and identify objects correctly both macroscopically and microscopically; Hearing (aid permitted), Exposed to extreme cold temperatures (up to 1 hour). ["Uses the Veteran's Health Information and Technology Architecture (VISTA) to access information in the Medical Facility Computer System. Has the knowledge and skills to use the internet for researching information. Is responsible for adhering to all VA and P&LMS policies regarding Cyber Security. Meets the needs of the customers while supporting the Medical Center and P&LMS mission. Communicates and treats customers (patients, visitors, all medical center staff, and all non-medical center contacts) in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflicts and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Refers situations they cannot control to SMT, Lab Manager or Chief, P&LMS. Actively participates in Continuing Education annually completing all required medical center training sessions, laboratory safety and chemical hygiene training, and professional CE. Monitors the performance of various tests and quality control reagents according to written procedures. Operates, calibrates, standardizes and performs preventative maintenance on laboratory instruments. Recognizes instrument malfunctions and troubleshoots minor problems using standard procedures; contacts trouble desk using hotline when appropriate; notifies supervisor of problems and steps taken to fix problems. During irregular hours of duty, works independently with supervisory advice from SMT, Lab Manager or Chief, P&LMS. Recognizes critical (panic) values and reports values to the clinical staff in a timely fashion; handles STAT specimens in accordance to laboratory policies; performs additional testing as appropriate to confirm abnormal results when necessary according to established guidelines; documents reporting of all called values. Maintains appropriate records consisting of specimen accessioning, instrument maintenance, problems, and other data as appropriate. Documents all corrective actions or unusual/unexpected test results. Performs miscellaneous minor duties as assigned. Obtain and maintain American Heart Association Heart Code BSL certification. Clinical Chemistry: Performs chemistry test procedures, both routine and non-routine by using manual and/or automated methods. Operates, calibrates, standardizes and maintains all instruments currently in use and learns new procedures or instruments operations as they are introduced. Identifies the cause of common problems and carries on troubleshooting; calls troubleshooting hotline to companies when appropriate; keeps records of problems and outcomes. Receives and enters results from reference laboratories. Hematology and Coagulation: Performs complete blood cell counts (CBC) using automated methods and/or manual techniques as appropriate. Performs other miscellaneous hematology procedures (reticulocyte counts, sedimentation rates, etc.) as necessary. Performs routine and non-routine coagulation procedures utilizing automated methods as appropriate. Operates, calibrates, standardizes, and maintains all instruments currently in use and learns new procedures and/or instruments as they are introduced. Microbiology: Performs testing procedure for occult blood in stool specimens. Enter microbiology results into computer system when received from reference Blood Bank: Performs blood ABO grouping, Rh typing, compatibility testing and antibody screening on specimens. Completes antibody identification in conjunction with the area Red Cross reference laboratory. Performs special antibody/crossmatch procedures. Performs direct antiglobulin tests. Responds immediately to any suspected transfusion reactions and carries out the work-up in accordance with established standard procedures. Notifies the BloodBank Lead, SMT and/or Chief, P&LMS immediately. - Orders and returns blood and blood components from/to the Red Cross as necessary. - Performs all appropriate Quality Control testing. - Uses and maintains instruments such as automated cell washers, centrifuges, microscopes, water baths, refrigerators, and other equipment as appropriate. - Adheres to the Transfusion Policy. Urinalysis: - Performs qualitative and semi-qualitative testing of urine. - Performs microscopic examinations of urine. - Prepares specimens for shipment to reference laboratories. Work Schedule: Mon/Fri 8:30am - 7:00pm Sun/Sat 7:00am-5:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Medical Technologist/ 000000 Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Compressed/Flexible: Available Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
