Medical Technologist
The duties and responsibilities of the Medical Technologist-Microbiology/Immunology includes but is not limited to the following:
- Performs routine, non-routine, and specialized test procedures in each sub-unit of the section (routine microbiology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, mycology, immunology, enzyme immunoassays, and molecular pathology). - Performs requested procedures, taking into consideration disease states or conditions affecting testing. - Prepares microbiology specimens for initial processing on appropriate culture media to insure satisfactory cultivation and identification of both aerobic and anaerobic microbial agents. - Prepares and process clinical specimens and carries out a variety of procedures in immunology, immunopathology and infectious disease serology such as flocculation, agglutination, enzyme-immunoassays, immunofluorescence, and molecular pathology (PCR). - Carries out selected biochemical and immunological test procedures, in a logical sequence to insure correct identification of microbial specifies, in a timely manner.- Performs qualitative and quantitative antibiotic susceptibility testing of microbial isolates - Prepares and evaluates the suitability of reagents, readies the equipment to be used, verifying instrument functions by utilizing electronic standards, chemical standards, and controls, performs test and evaluates the results of a variety of complex procedures. Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of non-routine and specialized test procedures using manual and/or automated techniques in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections. - Examines instrument function, rechecks conditions of test performance, evaluated reaction systems and/or procedural technique utilized, and provides solutions/repairs based on symptoms. - Performs necessary quality control, analytic measurement range (AMR), calibration and calibration verification testing of all instruments, stains, media and reagents. - Maintains adequate records of procedures carried out, results obtained, and logging in of specimens. - Performs computer functions/operations as required to report patient test results and other pertinent laboratory data. Maintains permanent records of tests, standards, controls, etc., for reference and statistical purposes. Documents anything unusual in any of these categories ( e.g., quality control data, reports of critical calls, critical values, etc) - Monitors the quality control system for equipment, reagents and test protocols. Evaluates results (interprets quality control patterns and trends) and implements corrective action when indicated. Ensures timely and thorough evaluation of data, ensures discrepancies are identified and attended. Obtains data and complies with the practices, procedures and techniques described in the quality assurance plan. - Adheres to quality control measures, suggests new or revised methods of control and of collecting and evaluating quality control data. - Maintains statistics for percent normal vs abnormal findings and comparative studies performed, for molecular pathology testing. - Solves testing problems, develops new solutions to testing problems, and performs newer/more complex tests and examinations. - Participates in the performance of quality assurance programs, such as College of American Pathologists proficiency testing surveys, in order to maintain accreditation. Corrects deficiencies promptly. - Advises physicians, nurses, medical students and other hospital personnel as to the proper specimen ordering, interpretation of laboratory test results and critical values. - Pursues accepted aseptic laboratory techniques, proper disposal of Biohazard material and decontamination procedures. - Instructs medicine and pathology residents and infectious disease fellows as to principles and practice of clinical microbiology and clinical immunology - Processes completely and accurately an laboratory data in order to complete patient reports, including (1) Accession patient specimens accurately and according to laboratory policy, (2) Verify patient results accurately via computer and/or manual procedures, (3) Log rejected specimens according to laboratory/departmental policy,(4) Delete accessions according to laboratory policy. - Maintains professional currency by subscribing to professional journals, attending professional seminars and participating in professional conferences or training. Work Schedule:
7:
30am - 4:
00 pm with rotating holidays and weekends Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
Must possess a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.). AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP :
or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) OR bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with 1 course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with 1 course in organic or biochemistry) and 1 course in mathematics AND 2 years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.), within last 10 years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologist (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory OR bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with 1 course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with 1 course in organic or biochemistry) and 1 course in mathematics, AND 5 years of clinical laboratory experience within last 10 years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. Must submit a copy of transcripts. Certification:
Must possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. (Must submit a copy of Certification) English Language Proficiency:
Must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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). Preferred
Experience:
Bachelor's Degree or higher in Medical Laboratory Science; ASCP Certified; at least 1 year of clinical experience in the laboratory procedures and 3 years specialized experience in Microbiology Grade Determinations:
GS-9 (Full Performance Level) (1)
Experience:
At least 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7), which is directly related to the position to be filled. OR (2) Education:
Must have Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. (3) Certification:
Candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H,SH), blood bank (BB/SBB), etc. (Must submit copy of certification with application). (4) KSAs:
In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. 2. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement in order to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. 3. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. 4. Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. 5. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. 6. Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions. 7. Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes. 8. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. References:
MAY 12, 2014 VA HANDBOOK 5005/72 PART II APPENDIX G24 II-G24-5 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements:
Incumbent must meet physical standards for the position. The work is normally completed in an indoor office setting. Incumbent must be able to see colors and is required to stand, bend, stoop, lift, and kneel for long periods of time. He/she must be able to see colors. He/she must also be able to lift heavy objects, climb ladders and stairs, and maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations. Working in a clinical laboratory also involves regular and recurring risks to infectious substances and irritant reagents. Incumbent will be required to wear protective clothing and take safety precautions. A physical examination prior to placement is required.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
- Performs routine, non-routine, and specialized test procedures in each sub-unit of the section (routine microbiology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, mycology, immunology, enzyme immunoassays, and molecular pathology). - Performs requested procedures, taking into consideration disease states or conditions affecting testing. - Prepares microbiology specimens for initial processing on appropriate culture media to insure satisfactory cultivation and identification of both aerobic and anaerobic microbial agents. - Prepares and process clinical specimens and carries out a variety of procedures in immunology, immunopathology and infectious disease serology such as flocculation, agglutination, enzyme-immunoassays, immunofluorescence, and molecular pathology (PCR). - Carries out selected biochemical and immunological test procedures, in a logical sequence to insure correct identification of microbial specifies, in a timely manner.- Performs qualitative and quantitative antibiotic susceptibility testing of microbial isolates - Prepares and evaluates the suitability of reagents, readies the equipment to be used, verifying instrument functions by utilizing electronic standards, chemical standards, and controls, performs test and evaluates the results of a variety of complex procedures. Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of non-routine and specialized test procedures using manual and/or automated techniques in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections. - Examines instrument function, rechecks conditions of test performance, evaluated reaction systems and/or procedural technique utilized, and provides solutions/repairs based on symptoms. - Performs necessary quality control, analytic measurement range (AMR), calibration and calibration verification testing of all instruments, stains, media and reagents. - Maintains adequate records of procedures carried out, results obtained, and logging in of specimens. - Performs computer functions/operations as required to report patient test results and other pertinent laboratory data. Maintains permanent records of tests, standards, controls, etc., for reference and statistical purposes. Documents anything unusual in any of these categories ( e.g., quality control data, reports of critical calls, critical values, etc) - Monitors the quality control system for equipment, reagents and test protocols. Evaluates results (interprets quality control patterns and trends) and implements corrective action when indicated. Ensures timely and thorough evaluation of data, ensures discrepancies are identified and attended. Obtains data and complies with the practices, procedures and techniques described in the quality assurance plan. - Adheres to quality control measures, suggests new or revised methods of control and of collecting and evaluating quality control data. - Maintains statistics for percent normal vs abnormal findings and comparative studies performed, for molecular pathology testing. - Solves testing problems, develops new solutions to testing problems, and performs newer/more complex tests and examinations. - Participates in the performance of quality assurance programs, such as College of American Pathologists proficiency testing surveys, in order to maintain accreditation. Corrects deficiencies promptly. - Advises physicians, nurses, medical students and other hospital personnel as to the proper specimen ordering, interpretation of laboratory test results and critical values. - Pursues accepted aseptic laboratory techniques, proper disposal of Biohazard material and decontamination procedures. - Instructs medicine and pathology residents and infectious disease fellows as to principles and practice of clinical microbiology and clinical immunology - Processes completely and accurately an laboratory data in order to complete patient reports, including (1) Accession patient specimens accurately and according to laboratory policy, (2) Verify patient results accurately via computer and/or manual procedures, (3) Log rejected specimens according to laboratory/departmental policy,(4) Delete accessions according to laboratory policy. - Maintains professional currency by subscribing to professional journals, attending professional seminars and participating in professional conferences or training. Work Schedule:
7:
30am - 4:
00 pm with rotating holidays and weekends Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
Must possess a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.). AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP :
or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) OR bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with 1 course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with 1 course in organic or biochemistry) and 1 course in mathematics AND 2 years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.), within last 10 years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologist (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory OR bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with 1 course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with 1 course in organic or biochemistry) and 1 course in mathematics, AND 5 years of clinical laboratory experience within last 10 years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. Must submit a copy of transcripts. Certification:
Must possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. (Must submit a copy of Certification) English Language Proficiency:
Must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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). Preferred
Experience:
Bachelor's Degree or higher in Medical Laboratory Science; ASCP Certified; at least 1 year of clinical experience in the laboratory procedures and 3 years specialized experience in Microbiology Grade Determinations:
GS-9 (Full Performance Level) (1)
Experience:
At least 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7), which is directly related to the position to be filled. OR (2) Education:
Must have Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. (3) Certification:
Candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H,SH), blood bank (BB/SBB), etc. (Must submit copy of certification with application). (4) KSAs:
In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. 2. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement in order to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. 3. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. 4. Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. 5. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. 6. Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions. 7. Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes. 8. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. References:
MAY 12, 2014 VA HANDBOOK 5005/72 PART II APPENDIX G24 II-G24-5 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements:
Incumbent must meet physical standards for the position. The work is normally completed in an indoor office setting. Incumbent must be able to see colors and is required to stand, bend, stoop, lift, and kneel for long periods of time. He/she must be able to see colors. He/she must also be able to lift heavy objects, climb ladders and stairs, and maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations. Working in a clinical laboratory also involves regular and recurring risks to infectious substances and irritant reagents. Incumbent will be required to wear protective clothing and take safety precautions. A physical examination prior to placement is required.
- Department:
0644 Clinical Laboratory Science - Salary Range:
$59,315 to $77,111 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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