Histopathology Technician

Summary

Advanced histopathology technicians at the GS-7 level have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The technician will have the responsibility of performing difficult histological, histochemical and immunohistochemically procedures, as well as developing, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine histotechnology procedures.

Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

Citizenship
Citizen of the United States
(Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) Experience and Education (1) Experience
One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) or health technician.0 OR (2) Education (a) Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation such as biological science or chemistry; ~or~ (b) Successful completion of two academic years of study above high school that included at least 24 semester hours in Chemistry and/or in appropriate fields of biological science and successful completion of a 12-month program of education and training in histopathology or cytotechnology
OR (3) Experience/Education Combination
Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable
Examples are listed below: (a) Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health care related courses such as biological science, surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or an associate's degree in a health care related field
(b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or histopathology technicians given by the U.S
Armed Forces
Certification
None May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
Preferred Experience: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all processing tasks of the histopathology technician occupation involving anatomic pathology, i.e
surgical pathology, autopsy pathology and cytopathology
In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
The full performance level of this vacancy is 7
Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing for long periods of time, bending, light to moderate lifting and can be extremely stressful
Some assignments require sitting at a computer workstation for moderate periods of time
Visual requirement must be met
Employee is exposed to chemicals such as formalin and alcohol.
Duties "Maintains knowledge of and complies with federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988.
Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all processing tasks of the histopathology technician occupation involving anatomic pathology, i.e.
surgical pathology, autopsy pathology and cytopathology.
In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.
Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for diagnostic evaluation taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
Maintains and documents the optimal function of laboratory equipment.
Uses, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment.
Diagnoses and troubleshoots deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
Performs and documents quality control, quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement, as applicable.
Adheres to practices and regulations governing safety in the laboratory Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions.
Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment and method comparison using theoretical knowledge.
Interprets findings and makes recommendations.
Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program.
Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.
Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others).
Gives direction and guidance using underlying histopathology and cytopathology principles.
Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
Performs proficiency testing and prepares for accreditation agencies' inspections.
Ensures and maintains accurate patient identification through the chain of custody of the specimen.
Prepares technically adequate slides of surgical, cytology, and autopsy specimens by processing, embedding tissue, cutting, staining and cover-slipping.
Utilizes specialized techniques for handling cell blocks, frozen sections, bone marrows, autopsies, and fine-needle biopsies Examines slides under a microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements Identifies problems in processing and staining procedures and makes necessary adjustments as needed for diagnostic purposes Work Schedule: Full Time, 8am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"

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