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.
A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Certification.
Must meet one (1) of the certification options below, given by American Society for Clinical Pathology(ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) or American Medical Technologists (AMT):
- Certification as an Medical Laboratory Scientist.
- Certification as an Medical Technologist.
- Categorical certification or Specialist certification.
Exception for Non-Certified.
(a) Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes identified in Appendix A that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency.
(b) Non-Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2).
(c) Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL.
(d) Non-Certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained.
(e) Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment.
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-12
Experience. One (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-11).
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
- Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice.
- Skill to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation.
- Ability to develop procedures for new tests, and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations.
- Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section.
- Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training.
- Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to a wide variety of individuals including physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff regarding technical aspects of testing, specimen requirements and results.
Preferred Experience: Laboratory Generalist.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit:
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.