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.
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.
The generalist medical technologist rotates with other generalists on a regular basis through the above-mentioned areas. He/ She also works off-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need. The duties and responsibilities of the Medical Technologist - Generalist include but are not limited to the following: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician 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. Diagnosis deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs and documents quality control and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and through the review of Levy-Jennings Plots and quality control peer reviews. Performs and documents quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Collects and collates data for monitoring and trending. Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity 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. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures. Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals and analytical measurement range using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. Writes new test procedures to meet NCCLS guidelines. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Work Schedule:7a-330p, 8a-430p, 4p-12a, 12a-8a Financial Disclosure Report: Not required