Cytotechnologist

Veterans Health Administration • Augusta, GA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Cytotechnologist manages operations within the Cytopathology Laboratory of Anatomic Pathology and performs highly complex cytologic examinations and specialized diagnostic procedures on human cellular specimens to identify pathological diseases, cellular abnormalities, and other clinically significant conditions. The role includes work with gynecologic, non-gynecologic, and fine-needle aspiration specimens, as well as laboratory quality management, equipment, and data-related responsibilities.

The incumbent examines prepared cytological specimens, recognizes normal and abnormal findings, identifies and marks cells representative of pathological processes, and enters final diagnoses into VISTA using appropriate terminology and procedural, workload, SNOMED, and CPT codes. The position evaluates specimen suitability, supports automated and manual equipment operation, monitors laboratory workload and productivity, and contributes to quality improvement and research-related data requests.

The selectee will be appointed at the GS-11 grade level; the full performance level is GS-09. The position is onsite, with telework unavailable, and follows a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and successful completion of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs-accredited cytotechnology program.
• Current Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification; required certification must be maintained.
• One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 journey level, directly related to the position.
• Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures.
• Knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes for establishing and monitoring laboratory quality management and quality control programs, and initiating corrective action.
• Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends, and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives.
• Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment.
• Applicants using foreign education must have credentials evaluated by an ASCP-approved organization, and the education must be found equivalent to conventional U.S. programs.
• A transcript must be submitted when education is used to meet qualification requirements.
• Selected applicants must complete required background/security investigation and online onboarding; VA health care personnel must meet applicable influenza and COVID-19 vaccination requirements, subject to legally required accommodations.
• Applicants in testing-designated positions who are tentatively selected are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use before appointment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• A probationary period may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience performing highly complex testing on cellular material from all human body sites.
• Experience microscopically examining prepared cytological specimens and rendering diagnoses.
• Experience performing a broad spectrum of highly complex testing and procedures for diagnosing pathological diseases, dysfunctions, and other conditions from human cellular samples.
• Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy and operate an electron microscope, with knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to identify ultrastructural and microchemical findings.
• Ability to convey safety regulations and guidelines, including CAP, JC, and OSHA requirements, and ensure staff compliance, education, and orientation.
• Knowledge and skill to plan and administer ongoing laboratory continuing education to meet accreditation standards.
• Skill in maintaining and troubleshooting computers and laboratory system instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Perform highly complex testing on cellular material from all human body sites.
• Examine prepared cytological specimens and render diagnoses.
• Recognize normal and abnormal cytology, including malignant neoplasms, precancerous lesions, infectious agents, and inflammatory processes in gynecologic, non-gynecologic, and fine-needle aspiration specimens.
• Detect, select, and clearly mark cells representative of pathological processes.
• Develop, implement, and monitor the laboratory Quality Control/Assurance Program to improve veteran care.
• Monitor workload and productivity and recommend improvements where needed.
• Evaluate requested procedures to determine specimen suitability for processing and request new specimens when necessary.
• Provide expertise in operating a wide variety of automated and manual equipment.
• Enter final diagnoses for cytology specimens into VISTA using appropriate terminology and procedural, workload, SNOMED, and CPT codes.
• Compile data and implement changes based on evolving trends or research outcomes.
• Provide statistical, demographic, and diagnostic lists when requested by researchers.
• Independently perform and monitor laboratory processes such as smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining; troubleshoot and take corrective action when discrepancies occur.
• Collect, compile, and analyze laboratory quality management data and implement needed quality improvement initiatives.
• Research, test, validate, and implement new procedures and equipment.
• Determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized methods during endoscopic ultrasound, endobronchial ultrasound, and other fine-needle aspiration procedures.
• Maintain and troubleshoot computers and laboratory system instrumentation, and perform other advanced duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to the employee and family subject to position eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior