Advanced Cytotechnologist

US Department of Veterans Affairs; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN seeks an Advanced Cytotechnologist to perform highly complex diagnostic testing in the Cytology laboratory.

The incumbent will contribute to quality assurance and data analysis while supporting cytopathology procedures, specimen preparation, and curatorially related activities in a fast-paced environment. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and a CAHEP-accredited cytotechnology program, and possess CT or SCT certification

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship is required; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education: must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university and completed a CAHEP-accredited cytotechnology program; Certification: CT (ASCP) or SCT (ASCP) by the ASCP Board of Certification.

Skills

Specimen adequacy assessment

QA program knowledge

Data collection & analysis

Procedural research & validation

Education

Bachelor’s degree (accredited)

Cytotechnology program (CAHEP/ACBHEC accredited)

Job description

The incumbent serves as a Advanced Cytotechnologist within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center Indianapolis, IN performing key duties in the Cytology laboratory. Cytotechnologists are certified laboratory professionals performing highly complex laboratory diagnostic testing on human specimens for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease in the laboratory specialty of Cytopathology. 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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• 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.

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:

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

• 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 to establish and monitor the overall laboratory quality management and quality control program, and initiate corrective action as needed.
• 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.

Reference:

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11.

Physical Requirements:

The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform procedures and tasks, walking between different areas within the laboratory and throughout the medical center. The work involves sitting at a microscope or computer, manual dexterity, visual acuity, color vision and the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods of time. Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; intermittent but possibly prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations.