Qualifications

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:

• 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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403 (f)
• Education- A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university Certification-Candidates must meet one of the certification options below
• Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT
• Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT
• Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT
• NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held
• Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer) EXCEPTION for Non-Certified Applicants Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes identified in Appendix A that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency
• Non-Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)
• Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL
• Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level (GS-07 level) and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained
• Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment
• Grandfathering : See "Additional Information" for specific information regarding the Grandfathering Provision
• 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)
• Foreign Education
• To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials
• Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following: Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program
• OR The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination
• NOTE: Possession of a certification identified in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed
• GRADE DETERMINATIONS: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at the grade level specified
• GS-07: Experience
• None beyond the basic requirements
• GS-09: Experience
• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-07)
• -OR- Education
• Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science
• In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance
• Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments
• Ability to read and interpret written instructions
• Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing
• GS-11: Experience
• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09)
• Experience include but are not limited to: routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation, and troubleshooting that applies innovative procedures and problem solving
• Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to more experienced staff for a decision or assistance.OR- Education
• Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science
• In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement
• Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes
• Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions
• Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of Medical Technologist experience
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11
• Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform procedures and tests, walking between different areas withing the laboratory and throughout the medical center
• The work involves sitting at a microscope or computer, manual dexterity, visual acuity, color vision, and the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods of time
• Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds)
• light carrying (under 15 pounds)
• use of fingers
• both hands required
• intermittent but possibly prolonged stooping and kneeling
• ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens
• ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise
• working closely with others
• high cognitive function required to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy
• emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations
• Incumbent will be required to wear protective clothing and take safety precautions
• A physical examination prior to placement is required
• This a designated drug testing position
• After appointment, incumbent will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use.