"When I realized all of the opportunities that being a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) provides - the versatility you get with only one degree - I said sign me up! It's a really wonderful career."
Gastroenterology (GI) Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) is a Non-supervisory position. The MIT is a member of the Gastroenterology Procedure Team (GPT) and provides assistance to the physician, nurse manager, registered nurse, and other team members during diagnostic examinations or medical treatment procedures as part of the diagnosis and treatment of patients. 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. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". 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-08 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience which provided knowledge of advanced specialized gastroenterology procedures. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.KSAs 1, 2, 3, and 4 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSA 5 is to be used as appropriate for the specific assignment. Knowledge of complex gastroenterology procedures, such as ERCP with spy glass, ablation procedures, mucosal resection procedures, fine needle aspiration procedures and capsule studies. Ability to provide briefings and orientations to hospital staff including physicians. Knowledge of regulatory and advisory agencies such as Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA), American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), and applicable laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). Knowledge of medical terminology related to GI and biliary systems used to identify pathology or for specimen identification and procedure documentation and knowledge of advanced anatomy and physiology to recognize obvious abnormalities during procedures. *Ability to provide staff development and training. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have SGNA core level one and two certifications (BLS and ACLS). Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Advanced GI Technician. Non-supervisory GI technicians may have assignments that because of the nature of the duties, substantially exceed the full performance level. They assist with the most highly complex procedures such as mucosal resection and ablation, fine needle aspiration, and double balloon colonoscopy, using a variety of highly complex ancillary equipment. They train technicians and other staff to assist with endoscopic procedures; may assist with daily assignments of technicians, procedural room assignments, and ordering of specialty equipment. They may trial new equipment and coordinate major repairs or installation of equipment with vendors and other facility departments; arrange vendor training and other educational in-services for the endoscopy staff. They may serve on GI related committees, incorporating practice improvement measures. Preferred Experience: Three (3) years previous GI experience References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-08. ["Duties include but no limited to: The MIT reports to Patient Care Support and participates in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the physician, nurse manager, and registered nurse. The incumbent may have assignments that because of the nature of the duties, substantially exceed the full performance level. They assist with the most highly complex procedures such as mucosal resection and ablation, and fine needle aspiration, using a variety of highly complex ancillary equipment. They train technicians and other staff to assist with endoscopic procedures; may assist with daily assignments of technicians, procedural room assignments, and ordering of specialty equipment. The technicians ensure proper performance of both endoscopic and alternate equipment and adjust equipment settings to accommodate patient and physician needs and produce high quality technique. The technician sets up equipment and reprocesses endoscopic reusable medical equipment (RME). They collect, process and label all specimens secured during the procedure, train other technicians in basic surgical endoscopic procedures, work in and outside of the GI unit offering technician support for emergency needs and off tour cases, and assist the nurse with patient care duties as needed. They may trial new equipment and coordinate major repairs or installation of equipment with vendors and other facility departments. They may serve on GI related committees, incorporating practice improvement measures. Their work is performed in the Gastroenterology Unit of Medical Service. The Advanced MIT reports to Patient Care Support, Medicine and participates with the GPT members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the physician, nurse manager, and registered nurse. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, varies shifts and hours (PRN) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91686A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
