Cytotechnologist

Company: Veterans Health Administration
Location: Temple
Posted on: April 9, 2021

Job Description:

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. Education and/or Experience Combination: Must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successfully completed a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited cytotechnology program. Foreign Graduates: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. Certification: Must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. Grandfathering Provision. All cytotechnologists employed in VHA, in this occupational series, performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all the qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements you must meet the following requirements: GS-0601-9 Experience: At this level, the candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level that is directly related to the position to be filled. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to review clinical data of patients, relate data to microscopic findings, and evaluate all cytology preparations by light microscopy for the presence or absence of cellular patterns, presence of micro-organisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign changes, pre-malignant changes, neoplasia, and cellular responses. 2. Ability to make preliminary cytodiagnosis to issue and verify the final diagnosis for gynecologic specimens interpreted to be negative. 3. Knowledge of processes and procedures to prepare all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunochemistry testing, as well as filtration methods preparation, fixation, and staining of slides. 4. Ability to instruct others on proper collection methods and transportation of specimens, and to determine acceptability of patient samples for processing. 5. Knowledge of the standards of regulatory agencies, such as those of Joint Commission (JC), College of American Pathologist (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) and Occupational Safety and health Administration (OSHA), to ensure compliance with requirements and guidelines. 6. Ability to perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment according to standard operating procedures. 7. Skill in prioritizing workflow/specimen triage. References: VA Handbook 5005/126, Part II, Appendix G61, Cytotechnologist Qualifications Standards. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing for long periods of time, walking to and from specimen processing area to offices (located on different floors), reaching and bending to obtain supplies and operate instruments. Occasionally lifts 30-50-pound container (with assistance provided in lifting 50 or more pounds) of liquid reagents or waste. Work involves sitting for long periods of time performing tedious microscopic examinations which may result in eye, neck, elbow, and lower back strain and repetitive hand, finger, and wrist motion.

Keywords: Veterans Health Administration, Temple , Cytotechnologist, Other , Temple, Texas