Job Summary

A Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines; bacteriology, chemistry (including endocrinology and toxicology), molecular biology, coagulation, flow cytometry, genetics, hematology, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), mycology, parasitology, serology, urinalysis, and virology.

Job Description

Basic Requirements: 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). 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 and/or Experience Combination. A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education OR A full 4-year course of study that included 12 months in a college or hospital-based medical technology program or medical technology school approved by a recognized accrediting organization. The professional medical technology curriculum may have consisted of a 1-year post- bachelor's certificate program or the last 1 or 2 years of a 4-year program of study culminating in a bachelor's in medical technology. OR A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester (one quarter) of mathematics, AND five years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience. Certification. All candidates must currently possess or be eligible for and pass within one year the appropriate certification examination as a medical technologist or clinical laboratory scientist given by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR), the National Credentialing Agency (NCA), American Association of Clinical Chemists (AACC) or American Medical Technologists (AMT), or the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB). Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 English Language Proficiency. MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-9 (a) Minimum Requirements. Appointment or promotion to the GS-9 level requires a bachelor's degree in medical technology/clinical laboratory science or in a related science and completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Both the education and the clinical practice program must have been approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). 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. In addition, candidates for GS-9 must possess either (b) or (c) below: (b) Experience. Completion of 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. OR, (c) Education. Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science. (d) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Comprehensive knowledge of professional medical technology/clinical laboratory science 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 providing for sound independent work. 3. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation. 4. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. 5. Ability to interpret and apply complex written instructions. 6. Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service, and patient education. (e) Assignment. This is considered the full performance level for nonsupervisory positions. An MT/CLS at this level develops, 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, and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as bacteriology, chemistry (including endocrinology and toxicology), molecular biology, coagulation, flow cytometry, genetics, hematology, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), mycology, parasitology, serology, urinalysis, and virology. Such positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide education for laboratory and other healthcare professionals, and others in the medical center setting including the public. References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G24 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.