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: 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 above. This finding may be based on either of the following: 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. 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: Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. 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). 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. English Language Proficiency: MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 USC 7402 (d). 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). This is described in the Additional Information Section below. Grade Determinations: GS-7 (Entry Level) Experience: None beyond the basic qualifications GS-9 (Full Performance Level) Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-7, which is directly related to the position to be filled. OR, Education. Must have Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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, Part II, Appendix G24, Medical Technologist Qualification Standard GS-0644 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: Intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 4 hours); standing (up to 4 hours); repeated bending (up to 2 hours); intermittent, but possible prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to distinguish basic colors; near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted)and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations; ability to wear required to personal protective equipment as required. ["The incumbent is a bench level Medical Technologist (MT) serving in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) in the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville Campus (TVHS), Nashville, TN, or the VA Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Alvin C York Campus (ACY), Murfreesboro, TN. P&LMS offers comprehensive and complex laboratory services in an affiliated medical center / healthcare system. The Technologist is usually assigned to a specific work-station, section, or campus. However, cross-training between work-stations or sections is not only encouraged but may also be required. Duties or functions performed include but are not limited to: Has knowledge of and ability to collect samples appropriate for the tests requested by the physician using the correct preservatives, anticoagulants, collection intervals and /or times, and patient condition (s). Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable. Prepares specimens for analysis, insuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained. Assigns priority to test requests and executes them expeditiously for use in critical care situations. Performs steps of analysis for a full range of standard, routine and specialized tests: (1) selects appropriate method/instrument; (2) performs instrument maintenance and performance checks; (3) prepares reagents / media; (4) calibrates or verifies calibration of the assay; (5) performs analysis and calculates results, if applicable, for control and unknown samples. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Adheres to established quality control guidelines as mandated by accrediting agencies (College of American Pathologists, Food and Drug Administration, American Association of Blood Banks, JCAHO, etc.) and as outlined in the appropriate procedure manuals / policies / memoranda. Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments. Identifies instrument malfunctions and/or unacceptable test system performance by analyzing and interpreting instrument function checks, calibration data, and quality control data and takes the appropriate corrective action. Reviews completed work for clerical errors and unusual or unlikely results; checks possible sources of analytical error and related lab data or other information, and determines the course of action to be taken to verify results. Investigates problems / incompatibilities to determine the appropriate solution and to determine when departure from normal operating procedures is required. Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results. Reviews / recognizes abnormal results or critical / panic values that require immediate attention. Responsible for the generation / editing / verification of laboratory results from the work area into the hospital computer system. Provides limited direction, work review, and job training to residents, students, or less experienced medical technologists. Provides patient care which is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. The individual must demonstrate the knowledge of changes associated with aging and possess the ability to provide care based upon age related factors. Takes responsibility for maintaining an appropriate reagent supply inventory for an assigned workbench or notifying the lead technologist (or appropriate authority) of shortages prior to depletion. Demonstrates effective communications skills by conveying necessary information accurately, listening effectively, asking pertinent questions where clarification is needed, even under difficult conditions, fostering a professional manner of communication appropriate to the situation. Nurtures cooperation between the laboratory and other areas of the hospital to meet laboratory testing needs. Routinely supports the team concept by making every effort to be cooperative, supportive, and helpful. Exhibits attitude and work practices that increase the effectiveness of the organization and the satisfaction of customers. Consistently responds to all requests for assistance promptly in a friendly, courteous, tactful and cooperative manner. Work Schedule: Multiple Schedules which all include weekend and holiday rotations; Specific Shifts will be discussed during the interview process\nCompressed/Flexible: MAY be available to highly qualified candidates; will include weekend and holiday rotations\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: MAY be available to highly qualified candidates\nEDRP Authorized: Contact VISN9HREDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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