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: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Please reference the education requirements located in that assignment below
Certification
(1) Candidates must meet one of the certification options below
(a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT
(b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT
c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT
Grandfathering Provision
Employees in VHA in this occupation under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard (12/03/2024), are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and certification where applicable
Physical Requirements
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements
English Language Proficiency
Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 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: GS-11 (Full Performance Level) Experience or Education
Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: Experience
1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9)
Examples of experience would include, but are not limited to: evaluating, performing, interpreting, and validating the accuracy and validity of test results
a clear progression of clinical knowledge and experience by performing testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens using manual or automated methods
routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation, and troubleshooting that applies innovative procedures and problem solving
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
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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: Minimum of 2 years Microbiology experience Knowledge of and experience with plate reading and susceptibility testing
Knowledge of and experience with PCR testing
Knowledge of and experience with Microbiology equipment troubleshooting
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
