Qualifications

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
• Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification
• Certification
• (1) Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations
• (a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) i ASCP, Board of Certification
• ii ASCP, Board of Registry
• (b) American Medical Technologists
• OR (c) American Association of Bioanalysts Grade Determinations: GS-7: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below
• Assignment-specific KSAs are designated with an asterisk (*) and are only required if that task is required of the position, as indicated in part (c) below
• (1) Knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests
• (2) Skill in applying new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing
• (3) Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes
• (4) Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific/advanced complex laboratory equipment
• (5) *Knowledge of laboratory information technology (IT) systems including troubleshooting systems issues, interface requirements between new instruments and existing IT infrastructure and laboratory IT test development
• (6) *Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission and Occupational Safety and Health Administration along with continuing education and employee orientation to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements
• (7) *Ability to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards
• (8) *Ability to assist with quality management activities in the laboratory, including monitoring and evaluating quality in accordance with CLIA and CAP, conducting quality improvement activities and communicating quality management results
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.