Medical Laboratory Technician

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. (1) Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations: (a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) i ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ii ASCP, Board of Registry. (b) American Medical Technologists. OR (c) American Association of Bioanalysts. 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). 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. 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. 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. 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: i Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work. ii Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems. iii Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. iv Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments. v Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results.vi Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions. vii Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers. Preferred Experience: 1. Medical Laboratory Technician certification through AMT or ASCP or eligible to acquire the certification within 1 year of employment. 2. Two years of experience working in a clinical laboratory as Lab Generalist. 3. ASCP Certification. 4. ASCP Certification in an area of Clinical Laboratory specialty: SM (ASCP), SC (ASCP), SH (ASCP) SMB (ASCP). 5. 2 years’ experience working as a Medical Technician in a federal medical facility. References: 5005/158 Part II Appendix G69 dated October 10, 2023. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: The position will require Heavy Lifting (up to 40 lbs.); Heavy Carrying (up to 40 lbs.); Straight Pulling (1-2 hours); Pushing (1-2 hours); Reaching above shoulder (occasional); Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (1 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Sitting (up to 6 hours); Near vision correctable at 13″ to 16″; Hearing (aid permitted).
The Medical Laboratory Technician will perform test procedures on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, which require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. The location of the position is in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, El Paso VAHCS and surrounding CBOCs.