Medical Technician

The primary purpose of this position is to perform duties in P&LMS related to accessioning and processing laboratory specimens. Performs other duties as assigned.

Phlebotomy
Performs venipuncture on patients using proper disinfection and collection techniques without requiring repeat attempts. Communicates the procedure to the patient in a professional and respectful manner to reduce patient anxiety. Verifies the correct patient by using 2 levels of identification (full name and full social security number) prior to collection of any specimens. Prepares the venipuncture site properly for blood draw. Collects the required volumes of blood in the required collection device. Properly labels and initials all samples (in front of the patient) for subsequent testing. Delivers blood and urine samples collected to the proper testing area of the laboratory in a timely manner. Maintains all patient confidentiality. Records all phlebotomy problems with appropriate corrective action and follow-up. Complies with all laboratory safety and infection control policies.

Follows established guidelines for proper disposal of bio-hazardous substances sharps and other potentially infectious materials. References the laboratory specimen collection manual for all required collection and processing information for each test. Refers to CPRS VISTA as well as CHCS and other computer systems for each patient to ensure all tests ordered are collected. Notifies laboratory management staff during times when orders portability is not communicating between programs.

Maintains phlebotomy supplies at established levels and stocks the specimen procurement station and specimen collection trays. Leaves areas neat and clean at all times. Performs inventory counts logs in and disburses incoming supplies when necessary.

Responsible for monitoring technical equipment and performing maintenance and quality assurance on instrumentation. Monitors lab environment; such as temperatures freezers refrigerators and incubators to ensure that they are working properly.

Accessioning/Processing
Responsible for properly receiving accessioning and preparing samples into the clinical laboratory for testing and/or transport. Ensures that all tests requested in the patients order have been received and investigates discrepancies when necessary. Verifies all specimens received by the laboratory are properly labeled with correct patient identifying information. Answers phone calls from nurses and providers with add on testing and other facility staff with any additional questions or concerns. If sample testing cannot be completed due to error or specimen exhaustion the incumbent will call the patients home and request the patient to return. Recollect requirements will be communicated with the physician and new orders are entered. Follows procedures for processing specimens understands sample requirements for tests and communicates with other lab staff the status of the sample and the requirements. Demonstrates the ability to cope with stressful situations and can troubleshoot to deal with problem samples. Must have the ability to follow detailed instructions to operate various lab equipment such as centrifuges the vein finders label printers computers and other equipment used within the laboratory.

The technician is personally responsible for the timely delivery of STAT specimens to the correct testing site. The technician must notify the testing section that a STAT specimen has been delivered.

Packages supplies and specimens for pick up or shipment following established packaging requirements. Careful consideration of proper storage temperatures and the viability of specimens is critical. Notifies supervisor when there are discrepant findings or when expected shipments do not arrive when anticipated.

Training
Assists in training newly hired personnel students nurses medical technicians medical technologists as well as other employees in proper venipuncture technique sample processing ADP skills and procedures clerical functions etc. Ensures that each person being trained is given the attention needed to be able to perform the job independently after training has been completed. Signs as the proctor for student trainees.

Work Schedule: Shift A: 06:45pm to 3:30pm Shift B: 8:00am to 4:45pm
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Medical Technician/PD01269A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• To be considered for this position you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement 10/02/2026.

This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement:
Experience: Six months of general experience and six months of specialized Experience (a) Technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical microbiologic hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings or (b) technical support work in a closely related field e.g. biological laboratory technician work that required application of the methods and techniques for the position to be filled.
Or
Education and Training: GS-4 Successful completion of (a) an associate-degree course of study of which the 2nd year of the 2-year program included successful completion of a training course of approximately a years duration in a certified laboratory assistant school approved by a nationally recognized accrediting agency; (b) 1 year of study that included 6 semester hours in chemistry and/or the biological sciences plus successful completion of the training course as described in (a) above for GS-3; or (c) 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours of chemistry and/or biological science course work that must have been directly related to the specialization of the position to be filled. (Transcript Required)
Or
Combining Experience and Education: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience are also qualifying. If education is used to meet specialized experience requirements then such education must include courses directly related to the work of the position. (Transcript Required)

For more information on these qualification standards please visit the United States Office of Personnel Managements website at