Medical Laboratory Technician

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Medical Technician to join their team. This role is crucial for obtaining blood specimens and ensuring accurate laboratory testing. The technician will maintain compliance with regulations, assist in training staff, and uphold quality standards in a fast-paced environment. If you are passionate about healthcare and eager to contribute to patient care, this opportunity offers a chance to make a real difference in the lives of veterans. Join a team that values precision, safety, and excellence in laboratory services.

Qualifications

• Must possess MLT certification from recognized organizations.
• 1-2 years of laboratory and phlebotomy experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Obtain blood specimens and process various types of samples.
• Maintain records for lab certification and compliance.
• Train staff on specimen collection and laboratory procedures.

Skills

Venipuncture

Laboratory Testing

Patient Identification

Specimen Processing

Quality Control

Toxicology Testing

Computer Skills

Education

Certification as Medical Laboratory Technician

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory Equipment

VA Computer System

Job description

Summary

The primary function of this position is to obtain blood specimens by venipuncture from properly identified patients for laboratory testing and provide properly prepared specimens for testing. It is the responsibility of the Medical Technician to assist with maintaining records for lab certification, point of care testing, and maintenance on laboratory machines, assigning proficiency tests, ensuring timely reporting to CAP, and monitoring all survey results.

Qualifications

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:

• Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)
• Education: Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification
• Certification: Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations: American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) ASCP - Board of Certification, OR ASCP - Board of Registry, American Medical Technologists, American Association of Bioanalysts
• Exception: Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may receive a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed two years as a graduate MLT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2) without the option to extend
• For grade levels above full performance level, the candidate must be certified in accordance with paragraph 4.c.(1) above
• Management officials must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with the MLT occupation who fail to maintain the required certification
• 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: Medical Laboratory Technician - GS-05 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements
• Medical Laboratory Technician - GS-06 Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level
• Preferred Experience: 1 - 2 years of laboratory, draw station, and phlebotomy experience

Duties

• Specimens received consist of all specimen types including blood, urine, stool, cultures, joint aspirations, other fluids, and other irretrievable specimens
• The incumbent uses the VA computer system when processing specimens
• Receives, validates, processes and distributes specimens to the proper equipment for storage until transported to RMR Medical facility for testing
• This includes assuring the proper specimen was collected, patient identification on the tube is correct and matches the accompanying requisition(s), and accessioning the specimens
• Maintain current knowledge in the changing field of ancillary testing sufficient to serve as the first line technical consultant and advisor to CBOC staff
• Required to evaluate the competency of the variety of individuals in the performance of ancillary testing procedures and in the reporting of test results, promptly, accurately, and proficiently
• Required to develop and recommend policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary or point-of-care testing equipment and instrumentation
• Assist with the development of technical bulletins, procedures, training materials and other program materials, which ensure accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies concerning patient testing, result reporting, and proficiency testing
• Provides training to Medical Laboratory Technicians, Nursing staff, Medical Assistants, and Nursing Assistants in accessioning
• Accurately administers and collects specimens for employee drug screening program
• Completes required chain of custody paperwork and packages for shipment to testing facility
• The incumbent will be required to achieve the training through the VA and sustain competencies allowing the technician the ability to perform EDS (Employee Drug Screens) as required by Human Resources
• Required to perform toxicology testing such as urine drug screens
• The technician is required to identify the presence of quantity of drugs of abuse, therapeutic drugs, and toxic substances by operating toxicology instrumentation and performing manual methods for the performance of drug screens
• Performs alcohol testing when a breathalyzer is ordered
• The technician is required to learn procedural protocols, understand instrumentation needs including performing accuracy checks, and forwards results to provider in accordance with policy and procedures
• Required to perform Quantiferon testing
• Maintains a clean, safe and organized work environment including defrosting and cleaning freezers and refrigerators, cleaning the biological hood, emptying biohazard trash, and cleaning bench tops and centrifuges daily
• Follows proper infectious disease controls by following Standard Precautions and using correct Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)
• The incumbent follows established safety policies and attends mandatory safety training
• Maintains quality results by running standards and controls, verifying equipment function through routine equipment maintenance and advanced trouble shooting, calibrating equipment utilizing approved testing procedures, monitoring quality control measures and protocols
• Responsible for acceptance of ward order entry or entry of the laboratory test into the computer
• The technician follows computer requirements such as entering correct collection time
• Obtains computer generated labels for specimens and aliquots
• Performs routine tasks associated with the computer operation, such as handling paper and labels for printers, calling up data from the computer and reporting it to the clinical staff when requested by phone, and faxing results to health care providers
• Assists personnel throughout the Medical Center with questions about the use of the computer terminals and printers to obtain laboratory data and information
• Performs other duties necessary for the efficient operation of the laboratory
• The technician may be requested to present laboratory information including available appointment times, walk-in times, and general hours of operation
• Serves as a technical resource by participating in staff training, answering questions of other professionals, in education opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, participating in professional organizations
• The incumbent rotates tours of duty and on the weekend and holiday schedules as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Work Schedule

0730 - 1600 - Monday - Friday

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position

Functional Statement #: 554-58681-A - 554-58682-A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized