Clinical Laboratory Scientist

About this role

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. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Basic Requirements: 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 is required. Certification: Candidates must meet one of the following certification options: Generalist certification as an MLS from ASCP BOC or AMT. Generalist certification as an MT from ASCP BOR or AMT. Exception for Non-Certified Applicants: Applicants may be hired without current certification if they meet one of the eligibility routes in Appendix A to sit for the MLS certification exam through ASCP BOC or AMT.

Non-certified applicants who meet licensure eligibility may receive a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). Non-certified individuals must work under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the Full Performance Level (FPL). Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and cannot be promoted or converted until certification is obtained. Temporary appointments for non-certified CLSs may not exceed two years and cannot be renewed or converted into another temporary appointment.

Foreign Education: Foreign education is creditable if evaluated by an organization specializing in foreign credential review and deemed equivalent to U.S. programs. Foreign graduates qualify if: a. Their transcripts are evaluated as equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science program, or b. They submit documentation from ASCP BOC or AMT confirming eligibility to take the certification examination.

Note: Possession of a qualifying certification listed in section 4c automatically validates foreign education equivalency. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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).