The Medical Technologist VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP) Program is for outstanding students who have completed the final semester or quarter of the junior year in a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or who are enrolled in a 15-month accredited baccalaureate clinical laboratory scientist program. Students who will be completing their junior year in the spring of 2024 are eligible to apply for the summer of 2024.

Duties

Under the guidance of a registered Medical Technologist preceptor, the VA-STEP student develops competencies in specialty areas of laboratory medicine while strengthening laboratory skills. The program consists of two distinct components that total a possible 800 hours of clinical experience. The first component occurs in the summer months beginning June 2024 and consists of 400 hours of clinical time (10 weeks, 40 hours per week). The second optional component begins after October 1 when the student may continue to work as their academic schedule allows, provided the hospital has the need. The second component is coordinated closely with the student to accommodate class schedules, exams and rotations. GS-07 - the position is in a developmental capacity, to perform tasks or limited phases of broader assignments designed to provide the employee with experience In the clinical application of scientific principles and theories in diagnostic testing and quality control and to enable the technologist to acquire a variety of advanced skills and techniques. The employee may be promoted to the GS-09 level when all training has been completed and all regulatory and procedural requirements have been met. Duties include but are not limited to: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures to include pre-analytic, analytic and post analytic processes. In addition, performs phlebotomy procedures as well as advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Adheres to practice and regulations governing bio-safety and bio-security in the workplace. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures. Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday. 0800-1630. Tours can change to meet the needs of the section. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 01/26/2024. 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. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The CGPA must be computed on a post-secondary academic work taken in the last 3 years or based in academic work accepted for credit toward the Clinical Laboratory Science degree. While a student may have a grade of "C" in a Clinical Laboratory Science course, the cumulative GPA for the Clinical Laboratory Science core courses may not be less than a 3.0. Be able to complete a minimum of 400 hours as a Medical Technologist VALOR student at VANTXHCS Dallas location. Meet physical examination standards at the time of entry in the Medical Technologist VALOR program. English Language Proficiency. MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations: Students will be appointed under 38 United States Code (U.S.C) 7405(a)(1)(D) at 80 percent of the local VA Facility per annum salary rate for GS-7 Step 1, on the general schedule. GS-07 (Entry Level) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Preferred Experience: Completion of Junior year of 4-year Medical Laboratory Sciences program by the end of Spring semester or enrolled in a Medical Laboratory Sciences Post-Baccalaureate Program. Minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Minimum CGPA of Medical Laboratory Sciences courses of 3.0. References: Medical Technologist VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP) program dated February 1, 2023. Also VA Handbook 5005/27 March 17, 2009 PART II, Appendix G6 & VA Handbook 5005/70 January 12, 2007, Part II Chapter 3 - Part-Time and intermittent appointments under 38 U.S.C.7405(a)(1) & VHA Handbook 5005/57 June 14, 2012, Part II, Chapter 3 Appointment of Students and other Technicians under 38 U.S.C. 7405 (a)(1)(D). This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4-6 hours); Standing (4-6 hours); Both legs required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted).

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

NOTE: If your school was accredited by National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Contacts

• Address Dallas VA Medical Center 4500 South Lancaster Road Dallas, TX 75216 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]