Medical Technologist
The duties and responsibilities of the Medical Technologist include, but are not limited to, the following:
Performs technical procedures that include but are not limited to:
automated chemistry panels, immunochemistry, complete blood counts, coagulation tests, urinalysis, body fluid analysis, peripheral smear evaluation, chromatography, toxicology, enzyme immunoassay, point-of-care testing and special studies. Performs technical procedures that include but are not limited to:
using the automated ProVue as the primary method for type and screens and antibody identification with the manual gel method and tube method as secondary methods. The specific procedures performed include ABO blood grouping, Rh typing, including phenotyping, three cell screening for unexpected antibodies, direct and indirect Coombs testing, major compatibility testing , antibody identification (routine method), antibody identification using enzyme or absorption technique, antibody identification using PEG or other special techniques, cholorquine technique for antigen testing, and the comprehensive evaluation of suspected transfusion reactions. Evaluates requested procedures to determine the suitability of specimens for analysis, requesting new specimens if necessary. He/She will advise laboratory personnel or healthcare workers on the appropriate collection and handling of specimens. Prepares reagents and primary reference materials; selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of routine and complex procedures using manual and/or micro-processor controlled instruments in accordance with established laboratory medicine protocols; recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunctions; locates and implements troubleshooting and corrective actions; obtains analytical data such as photometric end-points, rate reaction or digital readouts and converts them to appropriate prescribed units for reporting; reviews and correlates data to verify validity and accuracy of results; verifies laboratory reports identifying sample results and determinable factors; and reports results to appropriate individuals in a manner suitable to the nature of the request. Address Blood Bank priorities as needed, select and prepare appropriate blood product units for transfusion (including packed red blood cells, washed red blood cells, pooled platelets, single donor plateletpheresis, and cryoprecipitate), accurately enter all the necessary blood bank information into the VistA program, and the daily management of the blood product inventory. Performs daily quality control to assure that the reagents, equipment, and temperatures are within the recommended guidelines. He/she identifies quality control variations and initiates corrective action to correct the quality control problem. Documents all quality control activities and maintains accurate records in compliance with accrediting agencies such as CAP, JCAHO, FDA, and AABB. Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, performs routine preventative maintenance and documents service on the instruments. He/she verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks (mechanical, optical, photometric, and electrometric). Identifies the cause of common problems and makes minor and sometimes complex instrument repairs. The instruments may include the automated analyzers, spectrophotometer, microscopes, ProVue, cell washers, centrifuges, water baths, refrigerators, freezers, incubators, and platelet rotators. Reviews test results to detect discrepancies, artifacts, and pathologic change that may warrant additional testing. He/she performs repeat or additional testing to clarify or confirm abnormal results as necessary. Correlates patient test results with other laboratory and/or patient data to ensure the accuracy of the result using established quality management procedures. Following established protocol, he/she communicates critical and certain abnormal test results to the clinician. Participates in the evaluation of new instrumentation, reagents, and methodologies that may be incorporated to the test menu. He/she evaluates new tests/methodologies with respect to precision, accuracy, and linearity. The Medical Technologist keeps current with the latest developments in the field through journals, publications, professional meetings, training, etc. Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday:
(6:
30am-3:
00pm) (2:
30pm-10:
30pm) (10:
30pm-6:
30pm) with rotating weekends and holidays. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Telework:
Not authorized Incentive:
Incentives are not authorized for this recruitment 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 and/or Experience Combination A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.). AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). 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. OR A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics. AND two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. OR A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics. AND five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational and/or experience requirements if the degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS or clinical laboratory experience as described in paragraph 2b(2) or (3) above. This finding may be based on either of the following:
(1) A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individual's foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree. (2) A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination. Certification. Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below:
1. Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. 2. For positions up to the full performance level, candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H/SH), microbiology (M/SM), molecular biology (MB/SMB) and blood bank (BB/SBB). Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e. g., an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry). English Language Proficiency. MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, of VA Handbook 5005/72 Part II Appendix G24. Grade Determinations:
GS-09:
(Full Performance Level):
Candidates must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07), which is directly related to the position to be filled. OR A Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. In addition to these requirements, candidates must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs):
1. Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT 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 in order to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. 3. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. 4. Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. 5. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. 6. Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions. 7. Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes. 8. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. Preferred
Experience:
A MT at this level carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. This would include routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. The MT develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results ensuring all laboratory regulatory requirements are met. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, following practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. These require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and Immunochemistry. Such positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide education for laboratory healthcare professionals and the public in a professional, courteous and effective manner. References:
VA Regulations, VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II, Appendix G24, Medical Technologist Qualification Standard, May 12, 2014. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements:
Moderate lifting up to 20 pounds, pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades or colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain. .
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Performs technical procedures that include but are not limited to:
automated chemistry panels, immunochemistry, complete blood counts, coagulation tests, urinalysis, body fluid analysis, peripheral smear evaluation, chromatography, toxicology, enzyme immunoassay, point-of-care testing and special studies. Performs technical procedures that include but are not limited to:
using the automated ProVue as the primary method for type and screens and antibody identification with the manual gel method and tube method as secondary methods. The specific procedures performed include ABO blood grouping, Rh typing, including phenotyping, three cell screening for unexpected antibodies, direct and indirect Coombs testing, major compatibility testing , antibody identification (routine method), antibody identification using enzyme or absorption technique, antibody identification using PEG or other special techniques, cholorquine technique for antigen testing, and the comprehensive evaluation of suspected transfusion reactions. Evaluates requested procedures to determine the suitability of specimens for analysis, requesting new specimens if necessary. He/She will advise laboratory personnel or healthcare workers on the appropriate collection and handling of specimens. Prepares reagents and primary reference materials; selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of routine and complex procedures using manual and/or micro-processor controlled instruments in accordance with established laboratory medicine protocols; recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunctions; locates and implements troubleshooting and corrective actions; obtains analytical data such as photometric end-points, rate reaction or digital readouts and converts them to appropriate prescribed units for reporting; reviews and correlates data to verify validity and accuracy of results; verifies laboratory reports identifying sample results and determinable factors; and reports results to appropriate individuals in a manner suitable to the nature of the request. Address Blood Bank priorities as needed, select and prepare appropriate blood product units for transfusion (including packed red blood cells, washed red blood cells, pooled platelets, single donor plateletpheresis, and cryoprecipitate), accurately enter all the necessary blood bank information into the VistA program, and the daily management of the blood product inventory. Performs daily quality control to assure that the reagents, equipment, and temperatures are within the recommended guidelines. He/she identifies quality control variations and initiates corrective action to correct the quality control problem. Documents all quality control activities and maintains accurate records in compliance with accrediting agencies such as CAP, JCAHO, FDA, and AABB. Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, performs routine preventative maintenance and documents service on the instruments. He/she verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks (mechanical, optical, photometric, and electrometric). Identifies the cause of common problems and makes minor and sometimes complex instrument repairs. The instruments may include the automated analyzers, spectrophotometer, microscopes, ProVue, cell washers, centrifuges, water baths, refrigerators, freezers, incubators, and platelet rotators. Reviews test results to detect discrepancies, artifacts, and pathologic change that may warrant additional testing. He/she performs repeat or additional testing to clarify or confirm abnormal results as necessary. Correlates patient test results with other laboratory and/or patient data to ensure the accuracy of the result using established quality management procedures. Following established protocol, he/she communicates critical and certain abnormal test results to the clinician. Participates in the evaluation of new instrumentation, reagents, and methodologies that may be incorporated to the test menu. He/she evaluates new tests/methodologies with respect to precision, accuracy, and linearity. The Medical Technologist keeps current with the latest developments in the field through journals, publications, professional meetings, training, etc. Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday:
(6:
30am-3:
00pm) (2:
30pm-10:
30pm) (10:
30pm-6:
30pm) with rotating weekends and holidays. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Telework:
Not authorized Incentive:
Incentives are not authorized for this recruitment 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 and/or Experience Combination A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.). AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). 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. OR A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics. AND two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. OR A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics. AND five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational and/or experience requirements if the degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS or clinical laboratory experience as described in paragraph 2b(2) or (3) above. This finding may be based on either of the following:
(1) A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individual's foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree. (2) A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination. Certification. Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below:
1. Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. 2. For positions up to the full performance level, candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H/SH), microbiology (M/SM), molecular biology (MB/SMB) and blood bank (BB/SBB). Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e. g., an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry). English Language Proficiency. MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, of VA Handbook 5005/72 Part II Appendix G24. Grade Determinations:
GS-09:
(Full Performance Level):
Candidates must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07), which is directly related to the position to be filled. OR A Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. In addition to these requirements, candidates must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs):
1. Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT 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 in order to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. 3. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. 4. Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. 5. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. 6. Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions. 7. Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes. 8. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. Preferred
Experience:
A MT at this level carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. This would include routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. The MT develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results ensuring all laboratory regulatory requirements are met. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, following practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. These require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and Immunochemistry. Such positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide education for laboratory healthcare professionals and the public in a professional, courteous and effective manner. References:
VA Regulations, VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II, Appendix G24, Medical Technologist Qualification Standard, May 12, 2014. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements:
Moderate lifting up to 20 pounds, pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades or colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain. .
- Department:
0644 Clinical Laboratory Science - Salary Range:
$56,947 to $74,032 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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