Cytotechnologist perform high complex diagnostic testing in conjunction with Pathologist to identify benign and infectious processess, precancerous lesions and malignant diseases. Cytotechnologists must possess CT(ASCP) certification, participate in CAP program, and passthe CAP proficiency testing along with Pathologists.
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. Cytotechnologists must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 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. 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-11: Experience. The candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey level (GS-9) that is directly related to the position to be filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs i. - iv. and the advanced KSA as identified by the corresponding asterisk(s): i. Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures. ii. Knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes to establish and monitor the overall laboratory quality management and quality control program, and initiate corrective action as needed. iii. Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. iv. Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment. v. **Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy and operate an electron microscope. Knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to note ultrastructural and microchemical findings. vi. ***Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as CAP, JC, and OSHA, and to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements, including continuing education and employee orientation. vii. ****Knowledge and skill to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards. viii. *****Skill to maintain and troubleshoot computers and laboratory system instrumentation. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.
The duties of this position include, but are not limited to: Provide diagnostic microscopic interpretation of cellular samples from a variety of body sites, resulting in direct patient contact to provide interpretive diagnostic results for clinics, with immediate patient treatment and triage implications. Reviews health records to correlate patient history with diagnosis. Proficient with manual image analysis and diagnostically interprets atypical cells, precursor lesions and primary cervical cancer. Performs an integral part of determining appropriate patient triage from the specimen obtained by FNA for further diagnostic studies. Oversees administrative, clerical and technical support activities of other personnel within the department by coordinating workload and administrative duties. Provides supervisory level quality assurance oversight of peers by re-screening 10% of negative and 100% of all high-risk cases. Mentors and trains technicians, junior cytologists and others in technique, instrumentation and organization of work. Teaches pathology residents and physicians diagnostic cytology criteria through microscopic sessions. Participates in providing health instruction to physicians, patients and community groups. Assists the Medical Director and resident physicians with research project by formulating research hypotheses and study designs. Assures compliance with quality assurance/control and proficiency testing programs, safety standards, accreditation requirements and departmental policies. Creates, implements, maintains, and evaluates procedures and policies in Cytology to ensure compliance with accrediting agency standards Establishes, performs and monitors quality control programs. Provides consultative cytology services to regional sites. Maintains professional proficiency (through annual PAP PT and CE programs Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm 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