Cytotechnologist

Veterans Health Administration • Temple, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Cytotechnologist works in the Anatomic Pathology Section, performing highly specialized work that requires theoretical knowledge, scientific competence, and professional judgment. The position is responsible for examining a broad range of patient samples to evaluate the presence or absence of benign and malignant conditions.

The Cytotechnologist evaluates sample quality and adequacy, prepares and stains gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology slides, and assesses preparations by light microscopy. The incumbent makes preliminary diagnoses independently of the pathologist, drawing on knowledge of cellular morphology, normal and abnormal patterns, inflammatory reactions, microorganisms, benign changes, premalignant conditions, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents. Diagnoses are informed by the clinical history provided and, when needed, consultation with clinicians. Specimens include cervical and vaginal samples; gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and respiratory specimens; body cavity and cyst fluids; cerebrospinal fluid; and fine needle aspiration biopsies from a range of organs.

The role also supports cytology quality management and regulatory compliance. The Cytotechnologist assists the Histopathology supervisor with quality control and assurance, maintains cytology procedures and documentation, compiles statistics, and contributes cases for proficiency testing. The position works closely with pathologists and reports to the Chief, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service. The position is full performance level GS-11. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; telework and virtual work are not available.

Requirements

• Successfully completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and a cytotechnology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
• Currently possess Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification, or qualify under the stated grandfathering provision for eligible current VHA employees.
• One year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey level (GS-9), directly related to the position.
• Demonstrate ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures.
• Demonstrate knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes to establish and monitor laboratory quality management and quality control programs and initiate corrective action as needed.
• Demonstrate skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends, and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment.
• Be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Be a U.S. citizen, except that non-citizens may be appointed when recruitment of qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• Meet applicable pre-employment requirements, including drug screening for selected applicants in testing-designated positions, background/security investigation, onboarding, and required identification documentation.
• Register for Selective Service if a male born after December 31, 1959.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Physical work may require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing; personal protective equipment and annual TB screening or testing may be required.
• Foreign education must be evaluated by an ASCP-approved organization and determined equivalent to conventional U.S. programs; foreign-education applicants must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with transcripts.

Nice To Haves

• Five years of experience reading Thin-Prep Pap tests.
• Five years of experience with fine needle aspiration slide preparation and assessment.
• Five years of experience reading non-gynecologic specimens.
• Five years of experience writing policies and procedures for accreditation compliance.
• Three years of experience operating Hologic PAP processors.
• Three years of experience with quality control, record keeping, troubleshooting, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the quality and adequacy of patient samples before accepting and logging them into the section.
• Prepare and stain cytology slides for gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens.
• Evaluate the quality of cytology preparations by light microscopy.
• Make preliminary diagnoses independently of the pathologist using cellular morphology, clinical history, and consultation with clinicians as necessary.
• Examine a wide range of specimens, including cervical/vaginal, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, respiratory, body cavity and cyst fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and fine needle aspiration samples.
• Assist the Histopathology supervisor in implementing and maintaining cytology regulatory quality control and quality assurance functions.
• Review and update the General Cytology Manual to align with applicable VA and federal regulatory requirements or recommendations.
• Provide forms for and document daily, quarterly, and annual quality control and quality assurance records.
• Compile quarterly statistics as required by regulation.
• Monitor and update cytopreparatory charts, procedures, and safety compliance documents.
• Comply with hospital, CLIA, CAP, and VA regulatory guidelines.
• Collect, research, and report acceptable cases for proficiency testing, and submit cases to VA and CAP offices for acceptance and distribution.
• At the advanced level, independently perform and monitor processes such as smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining; troubleshoot discrepancies and take corrective action.
• Act as a technical resource in writing and establishing new processes or procedures as needed.
• Collect, compile, and analyze laboratory quality management data and use it to implement quality improvement initiatives.
• Research, test, validate, and implement new procedures and equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits and eligibility depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Selected applicants may request prior work or military service credit toward annual leave accrual, subject to approval and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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