Cytology Technical Specialist

Advocate Health; Rosemont (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health in Illinois seeks an experienced Cytotechnologist to evaluate patient samples for malignant, premalignant, infectious, and inflammatory processes, abiding by CLIA standards.

The role provides technical leadership in cytology, supports QA/QC processes, and ensures compliance across sites while mentoring staff and maintaining confidentiality and effective communication with colleagues and clinicians.

Qualifications

• Cytotechnologist (CT) certification issued by ASCP BOC.
• Bachelor's degree in Cytotechnology (or Cytology/related discipline with accredited program).
• Typically 3 years of experience in high-complexity cytology testing.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and professional communication.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patient samples to determine presence or absence of malignant, premalignant, infectious, and inflammatory processes.
• Provide technical expert guidance in cytological evaluations and high-complexity testing; assist staff as needed.
• Report, sign-out and troubleshoot cytology responsibilities of molecular testing when required.
• Oversee QC/QA, training, and implementation of testing protocols and policies.
• Coordinate workflow, scheduling, and staff development; monitor regulatory compliance.

Skills

Confidentiality

Flexible schedule

Effective communication

Quality assurance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Cytotechnology

Bachelor's degree in Cytology or related discipline

Job description

Major Responsibilities:

• Performs all the duties of a Cytotechnologist, to include but not limited to: evaluates patient samples to determine presence or absence of malignant and pre-malignant, infectious and inflammatory processes. Demonstrates expertise in working and theoretical knowledge of diagnostic principles and interpretation of gynecologic and non-gynecologic evaluations. Follows workload policies required by Clinical laboratories Improvement Amendment of 1988 (CLIA '88).
• Functions as technical expert in Cytological evaluations and processes, performs high complexity testing and is resource on the most complex technical analyses and interpretations. Provides technical expertise and assists Cytotechnologists, data entry and prep staff. Provides technical expertise to any site as needed; provides technical consultation to both internal and external clients.
• May report, sign-out and troubleshoot cytology responsibilities of molecular testing.
• Maintains current knowledge of all technical aspects of Cytology and computer functions. Follows technical Quality Control (QC) review policy. Acts as a technical QC tech reviewing slides for qualifying cases. Implements and monitors the regulatory/accrediting and compliance standards of the cytology department. Coordinates orientation and training of new caregivers. Monitors staff development and trains as needed.
• May assist the Supervisor with following scheduling staff, payroll activities, Inventory control, quality assurance activities and Inter/intra departmental problem solving. Works with the supervisor to develop and implement testing protocols, quality control and quality assurance/policies; may be responsible for the validation processes. Assists in writing new technical procedures/policies and revising current procedures/policies.
• Investigates and resolves technical problems related to patient/specimen identification, problem requisitions and problems related to cytology cases including cases for rejection.
• Monitors the preventative maintenance programs for completion and problems. Monitors daily and monthly department Quality Assurance (QA) reports, and identifies potential issues and solutions.
• Shares candid observations regarding attendance, performance, and staff issues with the Supervisor. Supports the Supervisor in a consistent and objective manner.
• Supports change efforts within the organization and contributes to their successful implementation. Maintains current knowledge of and complies with of all pertinent policy and procedure manuals. Documents all appropriate information for quality assurance/improvement according to established protocol. Monitors workflow and makes necessary adjustment to complete work in an appropriate time frame.
• Adheres to the Aurora Service Commitment, and the Power of Diversity in interactions with all internal and external customers.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Cytotechnologist (CT) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC).

Education Required:

Wisconsin/Illinois:

• Bachelor's Degree in Cytotechnology.

North Carolina:

• Bachelor's degree in Cytology or a bachelor's degree in a related discipline and successful completion of an accredited Cytotechnology program.

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 3 years of experience in demonstrating proven expertise in cytology high complexity testing.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Maintains patient confidentiality in and out of the workplace.
• Demonstrates a willingness to work a flexible schedule, which may include alternate site assignment.
• Maintains constructive and effective communication to enhance department performance.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to operate all equipment essential in performing the job.
• Frequently lifts up to 10 lbs. Will occasionally be required to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to sit, stand, or walk the majority of the workday. Also required to lift and bend throughout.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, radioactive and/or infectious agents.
• May be required to wear laboratory coats, gloves, gowns and eye and face protection as needed.
• Will be exposed to human blood and body fluids.
• Must be able to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner. May require occasional travel, therefore may be exposed to inclement weather and adverse road conditions.
• Must have ability to attend and complete required continuing education classes and credits.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.