Medical Technician

This occupational series is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Repayment is limited to $10,000 annually, up to $100,000 in lifetime awards. Participants must sign a service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program.
Qualifications: 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.
• Loss of Certification. Management officials, in collaboration with HR Office staff, must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with the MLT occupation who fail to maintain the required certification, which may also result in separation from employment.
• Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign MLT programs are considered to meet the basic education requirements if they have a current certification as described in subparagraph 4.c.
• English Language Proficiency. MLT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).

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-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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/158 Part II Appendix G69
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS6.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.Education: IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Employment Type: FULL_TIME