The Pathways Internship Program allows students to join VA in career positions that emphasize long-term training and development. As a Student Trainee (Medical and Health), the incumbent performs duties of a medical laboratory aide in the clinical laboratory of the Harry S. Truman Veterans Affairs Medical Center in drawing routine specimens during high workload times, late clinic hours, and short staff coverage.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/16/2025. Internship Program: To be eligible, applicants must be accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution, on a full or half-time basis as defined by the institution in which you are enrolled. You may qualify based on education as described below: Education: To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have completed 2 full academic years of post high school study or an associate's degree. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Customer Service Infection Control Medical Information Specimen Collection Technology Application Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Physical Requirements: Work involves recurring exposure to moderate risks such as needle stick injuries, physical and verbal abuse from patients, infectious biological contamination hazards from patient specimens including Hepatitis, AIDS, and various other viral, parasitic and microbial infectious agents. The work also involves the handling of chemical hazards and requires the wearing of personal protective clothing in the performance of normal duties.
This position is being filled under the Pathways Internship Program. The program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with paid work opportunities in agencies to explore Federal careers while still in school. The Internship provides managers a ready source of student employees and potential permanent employees upon completion of the program requirements. It also provides the student with work experience directly related to the curriculum studies or career goals while offering eligibility for non-competitive conversion to permanent employment upon completion. For more information on Internship opportunities within the Department of Veterans Affairs, please visit: https://www.va.gov/EMPLOYEE/pathways-internship-program/. The Pathways Internship Program allows students to join VA in career positions that emphasize long-term training and development. Major responsibilities and duties may include but are not limited to: Performing phlebotomy duties on both inpatients and outpatients. Utilizing a personal computer to access patient medical information. Using centrifuges and other laboratory equipment and supplies to process specimens after collection. Sorting, aliquots and distributing specimens throughout the laboratory and to other hospital and referral labs. Acting as courier to deliver specimens to UMHC laboratories and returning pathology reports, test results and specimens to the laboratory. Measuring, aliquots, and preparing preservatives for surgical and cytology specimens. Picking up, preserving, measuring, and aliquots and preparing for shipment all 24-hour urine collections. Stocking blood drawing and processing supplies in the receiving area and blood drawing room. Insuring printers in receiving room and blood drawing room are functioning properly, programs set up, and replacing paper, labels and ribbons. Answering queries from physicians, nurses and other hospital staff regarding test requirements, processing instructions, and test order status. Routing calls to the proper section of the laboratory. Work Schedule: This position is part time, Not to Exceed (NTE) 1-year. The Student Trainees will work rotating weekends, holidays and hours during school breaks. Work includes various shifts during the hours of 5:30am to Midnight and will change according to class schedules.