Cytotechnologist - Days

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Join MD Anderson’s Cytopathology department as a Cytotechnologist and put your specialized diagnostic expertise to work supporting cancer care. At one of the world’s leading cancer centers, you’ll evaluate patient specimens, perform advanced cytology procedures, and help deliver accurate, timely diagnostic results that inform clinical decision-making and support the teams caring for our patients. You’ll work with a wide range of cytology specimens and advanced laboratory techniques, including microscopic evaluation of non-gynecologic and fine needle aspiration (FNA) preparations, cell block preparation, cell transfer, and density gradient preparation for lymphoma marker studies. You’ll also evaluate GMS and iron staining used to identify cellular tissues and pathogens in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens. At Main Campus, responsibilities also include gynecologic cytology evaluation and annual proficiency testing for gynecologic screening. You’ll play an essential role in maintaining the quality, accuracy, and efficiency of laboratory operations. From accessioning and processing specimens to documenting diagnoses in the pathology database, evaluating specimen integrity, and completing quality control and quality assurance activities, your attention to detail will help uphold rigorous laboratory standards. You’ll also participate in interlaboratory slide reviews, process improvement initiatives, reagent preparation, and equipment maintenance while developing your troubleshooting skills and helping maintain accurate laboratory records. Beyond your technical responsibilities, you’ll have opportunities to contribute to the growth of the cytology team by assisting with microscopy seminars and presentations for cytology students and participating in special projects. The role also includes participation in designated Main Campus rotations, including on-call coverage for after-hours STAT specimens and procedures requiring immediate assessment.

Requirements

CT – Cytotechnologist, American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Certification (upon hire)
Bachelor's Degree in a related science field (Biology, Chemistry, Physiology) OR graduation from a school of Exfoliative Cytology approved by the CAHEA (Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation)
Cytotechnologists registered before August 1988 did not need a Bachelor's degree.

Nice To Haves

CT ASCP certified

Responsibilities

Performs all laboratory testing specific to assigned area
Accessions and processes all Cytology specimens according to established procedures, assuring proper identification of specimens at all times; assists in procurement and triage of FNA samples as well as participates in all Cytology main campus rotations including the on-call coverage for after-hour STAT specimens and procedures with immediate assessment.
Performs advanced technical procedures such as cell block preparations, cell transfer and density gradient preparations for lymphoma marker studies, as well as evaluating GMS and Iron staining used for identification of cellular tissues and pathogens on BAL specimens.
Prepares reagents following precise instructions, sets up the stain hood daily, and assists with equipment maintenance
Provides accurate assessment of Cytology specimens in a timely manner
Evaluates gyn (at Main Campus only), non-gyn and FNA preparations microscopically and renders accurate diagnoses; also, successfully completes annual proficiency testing for Gyn screening.
Accurately documents diagnosis in Pathology database system per established guidelines
Remains knowledgeable of processes and pre-analytical procedures enabling efficient trouble shooting and problem solving
Generates appropriate QC data per guidelines
Participates in interlaboratory slide review of non-gynecologic cytopathology slides as well as process improvement efforts
Evaluates specimen integrity and notifies appropriate personnel of unacceptable specimens in accordance with departmental procedures
Performs and documents all required quality control/quality assurance measures, maintaining neat, accurate and complete records according to established policies and procedures; assists in maintaining records for pre-analytical and post-analytical indicators
Assists in teaching cytology students in group microscopy seminars or presentations
Assists with special projects as assigned
Other duties as assigned