Medical Technologist

A Medical Technologist performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as bacteriology, chemistry (including toxicology), coagulation, hematology, immunohematology (blood banking), serology, urinalysis, and virology. 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 § 7405(c)(2)(B). This appointment may not be extended. 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. English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. Education and/or Experience: (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 (, 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, (2) 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 (, 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, (3) 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. 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). 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: GS-7 Medical Technologist (Entry Level) Employees at this level serve in an entry level MT career development position practicing under close supervision of an MT at or above the full performance level. Experience: None beyond the basic requirements ( above). GS-8 Medical Technologist (Full Performance Level) This is considered the full performance level for nonsupervisory positions. A MT at this level carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. This would include routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. The MT develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results ensuring all laboratory regulatory requirements are met. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, following practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. These require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology. Such positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide education for laboratory healthcare professionals and the public in a professional, courteous and effective manner. 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, Education: Must have Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. AND, 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 5005/46, PART II, APPENDIX G24 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: The generalist medical technologist rotates with other generalists on a regular basis through the above mentioned areas. He/She also works weekends and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need. The duties and responsibilities of the Generalist Medical Technologist include but are not limited to the following: Duties/Tasks - Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. - Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements. - Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. - Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. - Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. - Adheres to practices and regulations governing bio-safety in the workplace. - Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. - Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results. - Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. - Assists in the instruction and training of new employees. - Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service to the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). - Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. - Performs peripheral smears/differentials has the ability to distinguish abnormal cells, bone marrow preparation and body fluid analysis Medical Technologist: Work Schedule: 8:00- 4:30, Weekends and Holidays on Schedule. EDRP Authorized: Contact : , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $ Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position."]