The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to individuals pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology,
etc.), complete an accredited medical technology clinical practice program.
Summary
The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to individuals pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology,
etc.), complete an accredited medical technology clinical practice program.
This program will help alleviate the health care workforce shortages in VA by obligating scholarship recipients to complete a minimum 2 year service obligation at a VA health care facility after graduation, clinical practice program, and ASCP or AMT certification.
Consideration Requirements: Application, Academic Verification, Recommendations, Resume, Transcripts, Declaration for Federal Employment (Not completing any of the required documents is justification for non-consideration).
It is your responsibility to ensure all required documentation is submitted. Failure to submit all required documentation will result in not being considered.
No previous breaches (broken an agreement with) of any federally sponsored scholarship program.
Not delinquent (31 days past due) on payment of a federal debt, including delinquent taxes, audit disallowances, guaranteed or direct student loans, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or VA mortgages, and other misc administrative debts.
Have not previously applied for or received waivers of financial obligation for any federally sponsored scholarship program.
No currently owed obligation to any other entity to perform service after you complete the course of study for this scholarship program.
Agree to relocate, at your own expense if needed, to complete the required full time VA employment service obligation after graduation and required licensure/certification.
Qualifications
Students unconditionally accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled in a program of study leading to a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.).
A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale in your current program of study. Provide unofficial transcripts to your application that support your response.
Education
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript 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.
Additional information
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Veterans will be considered first among all equally qualified candidates. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) we will review applications to ensure requirements are met.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required: Academic Faculty: Preferably at your current school. If you just enrolled into the school and don't know anyone there, you can reach back to your previous level of education even if it is High School.
Required: A person who has known you for at least 2-years. Preferably an employer/supervisor. If you were not employed, consider someone with strong credentials who can prepare a good recommendation for you.
Required (VA Employees Only or who worked for the VA less than 3-years ago): Preferably the VA Supervisor or equivalent person if supervisor is no longer available.
Only submit required recommendations. If an applicant submits recommendation that exceed the maximum of two for non-VA Employee and three for VA Employee, only the first two or three will be considered. All others will be discarded.
Résumé: The applicant's résumé supports information contained on all forms. Do not assume that the information on the résumé will automatically translate to information on the Application.
Use the résumé to support all the information provided on the application and the answers provided on the Online Questionnaire.
Include prior education, professional licenses, registrations, certifications, and detailed descriptions of volunteer and work experience, especially those that are healthcare related.
The résumé must not exceed five single-sided pages and must be at least 11-point font.
Dates should be in MM/YYYY format.
Transcript: NOTE: An unofficial transcript is acceptable from program currently in or previous transcript for courses completed.
At a minimum, the student must provide an un-official transcript to support the CGPA the school put on the Academic Verification form.
If there is not a supporting transcript for the CGPA, then the application will not be considered.
Declaration for Federal Employment: (OF-306) This form is required to complete the Background Investigation. If the applicant does not submit this form, the application will not be considered.
Page 1 of the DFE should not be included in your application submission as it is an instructional page for the applicant.
The information on the form is self-explanatory and all information should be filled in.
Once you have filled in the information, print out the form and Sign/date line 17a.
Document Handling
Because many of the documents should be printed and signed, you will need to re-scan those documents back into the computer so they can be prepared for final submission. Here are some notes when rescanning:
The preferred file type is a .pdf.
When scanning, set your dpi (dots per square inch) to 100. This will keep the file size down.
Name your files: (LastnameFirstinitial - Example SmithJ)
LastnameFirstinitial - Application
LastnameFirstinitial - Academic Verification
LastnameFirstinitial - Declaration for Federal Employment
LastnameFirstinitial - Recommendation - VA Supervisor
LastnameFirstinitial - Recommendation - Supervisor or Employer or Friend
LastnameFirstinitial - Resume
LastnameFirstinitial - Transcript
Upload documents as required into USAJobs.
For questions and additional information on filling out the forms, contact the HPSPTeam@va.gov.
Veterans' Preference: When applying, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/05/2020 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10733280.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
VHA Servicing Human Resources Office
2402 Wildwood Ave Suite 301
Sherwood, AR 72120
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After the review is complete, applicants will be notified of their status by email.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Required: Academic Faculty: Preferably at your current school. If you just enrolled into the school and don't know anyone there, you can reach back to your previous level of education even if it is High School.
Required: A person who has known you for at least 2-years. Preferably an employer/supervisor. If you were not employed, consider someone with strong credentials who can prepare a good recommendation for you.
Required (VA Employees Only or who worked for the VA less than 3-years ago): Preferably the VA Supervisor or equivalent person if supervisor is no longer available.
Only submit required recommendations. If an applicant submits recommendation that exceed the maximum of two for non-VA Employee and three for VA Employee, only the first two or three will be considered. All others will be discarded.
Résumé: The applicant's résumé supports information contained on all forms. Do not assume that the information on the résumé will automatically translate to information on the Application.
Use the résumé to support all the information provided on the application and the answers provided on the Online Questionnaire.
Include prior education, professional licenses, registrations, certifications, and detailed descriptions of volunteer and work experience, especially those that are healthcare related.
The résumé must not exceed five single-sided pages and must be at least 11-point font.
Dates should be in MM/YYYY format.
Transcript: NOTE: An unofficial transcript is acceptable from program currently in or previous transcript for courses completed.
At a minimum, the student must provide an un-official transcript to support the CGPA the school put on the Academic Verification form.
If there is not a supporting transcript for the CGPA, then the application will not be considered.
Declaration for Federal Employment: (OF-306) This form is required to complete the Background Investigation. If the applicant does not submit this form, the application will not be considered.
Page 1 of the DFE should not be included in your application submission as it is an instructional page for the applicant.
The information on the form is self-explanatory and all information should be filled in.
Once you have filled in the information, print out the form and Sign/date line 17a.
Document Handling
Because many of the documents should be printed and signed, you will need to re-scan those documents back into the computer so they can be prepared for final submission. Here are some notes when rescanning:
The preferred file type is a .pdf.
When scanning, set your dpi (dots per square inch) to 100. This will keep the file size down.
Name your files: (LastnameFirstinitial - Example SmithJ)
LastnameFirstinitial - Application
LastnameFirstinitial - Academic Verification
LastnameFirstinitial - Declaration for Federal Employment
LastnameFirstinitial - Recommendation - VA Supervisor
LastnameFirstinitial - Recommendation - Supervisor or Employer or Friend
LastnameFirstinitial - Resume
LastnameFirstinitial - Transcript
Upload documents as required into USAJobs.
For questions and additional information on filling out the forms, contact the HPSPTeam@va.gov.
Veterans' Preference: When applying, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/05/2020 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10733280.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
VHA Servicing Human Resources Office
2402 Wildwood Ave Suite 301
Sherwood, AR 72120
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After the review is complete, applicants will be notified of their status by email.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
