Cytotechnologist

About the role

This position is located in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service within the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, AR. 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. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education Individuals 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: Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. Grade Determinations: Cytotechnologist, GS-7: none beyond the basic requirements Cytotechnologist, GS-9: Experience. The candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey level (GS-7) that is directly related to the position to be filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs : Ability to review clinical data of patients and evaluates 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 to therapeutic agents. Ability to make a preliminary cytodiagnosis to issue and verify the final diagnosis for gynecologic specimens interpreted to be negative. 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. Ability to instruct others on the proper collection methods and transportation of specimens, and toe determine acceptability of patient samples for processing. Knowledge of the standards of regulatory agencies, such as those of Joint Commission (JC), College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to ensure compliance with requirements and guidelines. Ability to perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment according to standard operating procedures. Skill in prioritizing workflow/specimen triage Preferred experience: Strong knowledge of cellular morphology, diagnostic criteria, and standardized testing methods. Candidates should have hands-on experience preparing and evaluating gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens, applying special stains, and accurately identifying precancerous, cancerous, and infectious cellular changes. The ability to work independently, manage workflow in a cytology section, and maintain high-quality laboratory practices is strongly desired. References: VA Handbook 5005/126, Part II Appendix G61, Cytotechnologist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-9. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

Your Match

How well this role fits your profile.

Company Intel

What employees say

Worked at Veterans Health Administration? Share your experience