Student Trainee (Medical & Health)

Summary

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.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 04/24/2026.

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
• Language Proficiency
• No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapter 73 or 74 - to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English
• Provisions of appendix II-I of chapter 3 - this part will be used - as applicable - to determine that title 5 employees in direct patient-care positions meet the English language proficiency requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402(d)
• You must qualify based on education as described below: Grade Determination: GS 4 grade level: Completion of 2 academic years of post-high school study or associate's degree
• The required education must lead to a bachelor's degree with specialization in or directly related to the field in which the student trainees will receive training on the job
• The degree of specialization in this field must satisfy on graduation the specific educational requirements in the qualification standard for the corresponding two-grade interval positions
• 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
• Be seeking a degree that is relevant to this position
• Be able to work at least 4 hours per week
• Meet the grade qualifications must be met prior to start date
• If Selected you must: Sign a Pathways Internship Program Participant Agreement - Maintain status as a current student - Maintain good academic standing - at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 grading scale - Adhere to an established work schedule approved by the supervisor - Provide proof of enrollment in a qualifying educational institution and academic transcripts at the end of each academic period and upon request - Perform - successfully - the duties and responsibilities in the assigned position description - Observe all workplace rules - such as dress code - office conduct and behavior - Participate in all VA mandatory training programs (either on-line or in the classroom) - Notify the supervisor of any changes in the completion of the educational program - such as graduation date - changes in the major degree requirements - or changes in the educational institution's accreditation
• You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Attention to Detail Customer Service Flexibility Infection Control Interpersonal Skills Learning Medical Information Problem Solving Self-Management 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/.
  
  

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.