Medical Technician - Medical Laboratory Technican

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 Education: Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification Certification: Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) ASCP, Board of Certification OR ASCP, Board of Registry American Medical Technologists OR American Association of Bioanalysts Exception: Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may receive a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed two years as a graduate MLT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2) without the option to extend 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: Medical Laboratory Technician: GS-05 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: None Medical Laboratory Technician: GS-06 Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers Assignment: At the full performance level, MLTs use independent judgment to perform the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results MLTs perform day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision while ensuring testing accuracy and quality of proper patient care This includes providing pre-analytic instructions to patients, VA staff and other external entities related to collection and processing of laboratory specimens MLTs use processing techniques such as centrifugation, aliquoting, storage and packaging (considering stability factors), and they accurately label and sort patient specimens MLTs operate and maintain all instrumentation in assigned areas to deliver precise, timely and accurate laboratory results when analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine and tissue samples MLTs at this level analyze laboratory findings and issue necessary reports The results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures are discussed with supervisors, pathologists and other medical professionals as needed Preferred Experience: 1 year Phlebotomy or Lab experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is 6 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 5 to 6 Physical Requirements: The position primarily involves work performed in both sitting and standing positions with occasional requirements to lift objects, computer work and operating office equipment The position requires the ability to process written and electronic information The work requires the ability to physically control or defend against emotionally distressed patients The work requires above average agility and dexterity due to the fine skills of some of the point of care lab testing The work may require heavy lifting of equipment or patients however standing and bending for a prolonged period of time, walking, lifting up to 20 pounds, kneeling, and some climbing of stairs is also required The work requires manual dexterity, a large degree of concentration, and working at top speed for several hours at a time The ability to distinguish colors and color intensity is required The Medical Technician may be required to commute between two outpatient clinics with the workweek depending on the clinic workload. ]]]]>