Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 54,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

US Department of Veterans Affairs in Little Rock, AR seeks an Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician to perform waived, moderate, and complex tests across multiple areas. The role requires knowledge of CLIA wide testing and adherence to accrediting standards, with duties spanning testing, QC, instrument upkeep, and interdepartmental collaboration.

The position emphasizes independence and accuracy, with duties including consultation with health care teams, patients, and external partners, and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of clinical laboratory concepts, principles and methodologies.
• Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions and interpret results.
• Experience with lab quality control and quality assurance procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform tests across Chemistry, Hematology, Blood Bank, Microbiology, Serology and Urinalysis.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation.
• Use document control systems and collaborate with health care teams.

Skills

Lab testing knowledge

Independent work

Quality control

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Job description

Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician performs a variety of waived, moderate, and complex tests on biological specimens. They serve as a generalist in the laboratory with responsibility for performing testing in all areas of Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Blood Bank, Microbiology, Serology, and Urinalysis. They have advanced knowledge of Clinical Laboratory concepts, principles, and methodologies, and all laboratory accrediting agency requirements. Position is located in Little Rock, AR.

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

• Certification. Candidates must meet one of the appropriate Medical Laboratory Technician certifications below.
  • American Society of Clinical Pathology, Board of Certification ASCP BOC
  • American Society of Clinical Pathology, Board of Registry ASCP BOR
  • American Medical Technologists AMT
  • American Association of Bioanalysts AAB

Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign MLT programs are considered to meet the basic education requirements if the have a current

Grade Determinations: Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-7.

Experience:

One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-6 next lower grade level is required for all GS-7 assignments. Credible experience includes knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts, and theories; knowledge of lab quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems; maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation, work as a team member, use technical judgement to interpret lab results; apply complex written laboratory instructions; and consulting with other members of the health care team, patients, and external customers.

In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following GS-7 Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

1. Knowledge of concepts, principals, 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.

Preferred Experience:

Experience with moderate and high complexity laboratory testing, reference testing, and phlebotomy.

Reference:

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is 07

Physical Requirements:

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment:

The work involves regular and recurring exposure to potentially irritating and volatile organic solutions and infections materials. Adherence to safety and universal precautions and use of protective gear such as laboratory coats, fume hoods, safety goggles and gloves are required to reduce occupational risk factors. Work is performed in a laboratory setting; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.