Medical Technologist – (Microbiology/Molecular)

Denver, Colorado, Colorado, This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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 (1) 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, (2) 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, (3) 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). (3) Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may be given a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed one year as a graduate medical technologist under the authority of 38 U. S.

C. 7405(c)(2)(B). This appointment may not be extended. For grade levels above the full performance level, the candidate must be certified in accordance with paragraph 2d(1) above. Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. (1) GS-7 (Entry Level) (a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignments. Employees at this level serve in an entry level MT career development position practicing under close supervision of an MT at or above the full performance level. (2) GS-9 (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience.

Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. OR, (b) Education. Must have Master’s degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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: 1 year of microbiology experience References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/72, PART II, APPENDIX G24, Medical Technologist Qualification Standard, GS-644, Veterans Health Administration dated: 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 in the range of GS-7 to GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019; There are minimal physical demands on the employee. Ability to lift/move up to 50lbs and stand for short periods of time are required. [“This position is located the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service, VA ECHCS. The incumbent performs a wide variety of laboratory tests on blood, other body fluids, urine, sputum and feces. Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation. Comprehensive knowledge of professional medical technology/clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement providing for sound independent work.

Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. Independently processes, performs, and reports results for all procedures in Microbiology. Mycology, Mycobacteriology, Molecular, Infectious disease, and Serology. Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service, and patient education. Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering physiologic processes and requirements. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.

Diagnosis deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and participates in discussions to provide solutions. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures. Assists in evaluating and implementing new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory’s in-service/continuing education program. Incumbent confers with Supervisor and/or Microbiology Director on any unusual results which may require further testing and relays information to all other technologists who rotate through this section. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.

Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Performs phlebotomy on weekends, holidays, and as needed. Designs workflow to accomplish objectives in the clinical specialty area. Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of each sub section within the lab while giving priority to the overall needs of the laboratory or medical center. Assures smooth flow and completion of daily work by setting proper priorities, ensuring adequate data and communication with other staff and adjusting assignments as needed. Ensures optimal utilization of quality assurance data by laboratory staff. Routinely reports to the supervisor. Maintains, and helps the supervisor for the timely distribution of CAP PT and assign technologists so that they are completed and submitted before deadlines as required by regulatory agencies.

The technologist plans and carries out the procedures necessary to complete the work assignment and handles problems and corrects errors in accordance with established protocols or accepted laboratory practices. Other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the Medical Center Work Schedule: M-F 7:00am-3:30pm, rotating weekends, and holidays Compressed/Flexible: Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54468, 54469-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Jeffrey. Young9@va. gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required”]

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