Medical Technologist is considered the full performance level for non-supervisory positions. Medical Technologist at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. 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 a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) b. 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. c. Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, MTs must actively pursue meeting prerequisites for certification from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the MT with the written requirement to obtain certification, the date by which the certification must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Failure to become certified within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0644 MT series. Failure to obtain certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. d. Loss of Credential. Once certified, MTs must maintain their certification. Loss of certification will result in removal from the occupation and may result in termination of employment. e. Grandfathering Provision. All MTs employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to the position, the following provisions apply: (1) MTs that do not meet the basic requirements for education and certification may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) MTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) MTs initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (4) If MTs who were retained in this occupation under this provision leave the occupation, the MT loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. f. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. g. English Language Proficiency. MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. GRADE REQUIREMENTS a. Creditable Experience : Knowledge of Current Professional Laboratory Practice. For positions at or above the full performance level, the experience must have demonstrated the use of knowledge, skills and abilities as a MT and may be paid or non-paid employment Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. 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. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions. Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. References: VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II, Appendix G24, Medical Technologist Qualification Standard, May 12, 2014. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-9. Physical Requirements: Frequent sit and walk, answer the phone. May require lifting 25 lbs. ["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.\n- Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.\n- Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.\n- Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.\n- Adheres to practices and regulations governing bio-safety in the workplace.\n- Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions.\n- Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test result s.\n- Evaluates and implements new t techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge.\n- Assists in the i instruction and training of new employees.\n- Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a health care team member. Provides excellent service to the customer (healthcare providers, patient s, and others). Work Schedule: Varies shifts\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required Below are the Mather and Redding CA salary breakdown of each grade level: Mather CA - GS-09; Salary Range: $ 77,880.00 to $ 101,243.00 per annual Martinez CA - 09; Salary Range: $ 77,880.00 to $ 101,243.00 per annual Redding CA - GS-09; Salary Range: $ 77,880.00 to $ 101,243.00 per annual"]