Cytotechnologist

Advocate Health Care; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health Care in Des Plaines, IL, seeks a Cytotechnologist to evaluate gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens, identify malignant and pre-malignant changes, and ensure accurate, timely reporting within CLIA guidelines.

The role includes preparing cytology slides, performing quality control, maintaining patient confidentiality, and collaborating with pathologists and lab staff to support continuous improvement and compliance with accreditation standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences or Cytotechnology.
• No experience required.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates working and theoretical knowledge of diagnostic principles and interpretation of gynecologic and non-gynecologic evaluations.
• Identifies and provides accurate diagnoses within department guidelines and ensures reports are precise and timely.
• Assists and prepares cytology slides from FNA procedures using proper technique.
• Performs quality control/assurance for cytology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing; troubleshoots equipment.
• Maintains documentation for quality assurance and monitors workflow and reporting systems.
• Supports changes in procedures and ensures compliance with accrediting agency standards.

Skills

Cytology proficiency testing

Team collaboration

Computer literacy

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Bachelor's Degree in Cytotechnology

Job description

• Demonstrates working and theoretical knowledge of diagnostic principles and interpretation of gynecologic and non-gynecologic evaluations and consistent screening productivity. Evaluates patient samples to determine the absence or presence of malignant and pre‑malignant changes, infectious and inflammatory processes.
• Identifies and provides accurate diagnoses within the department guidelines. False negative fraction and major/minor discrepancy within acceptable range set by the Supervisor Technical Lab. Follows screening limits and workload policy as required by the Clinical Laboratories Improvement Amendment of 1988 (CLIA'88).
• Ascertains specimens are properly identified, labeled, data entered and suitable for testing. Identifies and corrects, as needed, patient demographics, clinical history, specimen identification and billing errors. Ensures reports are precise, accurate and timely according to the quality assurance program.
• Assists and prepares cytology slides from fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures using the proper technique.
• May perform, evaluate and monitor quality control and quality assurance for cytology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing, noting trends and identifying issues. Troubleshoots equipment, validates instruments, and tests according to established protocols. Recognizes indicators of test and/or instrument malfunction; evaluates and implements appropriate corrections.
• 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.
• Utilizes all required computer information systems appropriately. Follows policy for reporting and entering results in the department computer system. Refers cases for quality control review and pathologist interpretation.
• Understands, follows, and assists in improving laboratory procedures, policies, and processes. Supports change efforts within the organization and contributes to their successful implementation. Ensures compliance with all accrediting agency standards.
• Provides general direction and technical assistance to lab aides, pathologists, colleagues, client services and clients.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.

Major Responsibilities

• Demonstrates working and theoretical knowledge of diagnostic principles and interpretation of gynecologic and non‑gynecologic evaluations and consistent screening productivity. Evaluates patient samples to determine the absence or presence of malignant and pre‑malignant changes, infectious and inflammatory processes.
• Identifies and provides accurate diagnoses within the department guidelines. False negative fraction and major/minor discrepancy within acceptable range set by the Supervisor Technical Lab. Follows screening limits and workload policy as required by the Clinical Laboratories Improvement Amendment of 1988 (CLIA'88).
• Ascertains specimens are properly identified, labeled, data entered and suitable for testing. Identifies and corrects, as needed, patient demographics, clinical history, specimen identification and billing errors. Ensures reports are precise, accurate and timely according to the quality assurance program.
• Assists and prepares cytology slides from fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures using the proper technique.
• May perform, evaluate and monitor quality control and quality assurance for cytology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing, noting trends and identifying issues. Troubleshoots equipment, validates instruments, and tests according to established protocols. Recognizes indicators of test and/or instrument malfunction; evaluates and implements appropriate corrections.
• 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.
• Utilizes all required computer information systems appropriately. Follows policy for reporting and entering results in the department computer system. Refers cases for quality control review and pathologist interpretation.
• Understands, follows, and assists in improving laboratory procedures, policies, and processes. Supports change efforts within the organization and contributes to their successful implementation. Ensures compliance with all accrediting agency standards.
• Provides general direction and technical assistance to lab aides, pathologists, colleagues, client services and clients.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.

Licensure, Registration, And/or Certification Required

• Cytotechnologist (CT) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or
• Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or
• Cytotechnologist (CT) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) needs to be obtained within 1 year.

Education Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or
• Bachelor's Degree in Cytotechnology.

Experience Required

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Minimum one year of training in a school of cytotechnology that is approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Required to participate in cytology proficiency testing and continuing education, having a minimum of 12 credit hours.
• Attend and participate with mandatory in‑services and department meetings.
• Have a working knowledge of cytologic specimen processing.
• Maintain constructive and effective communication to enhance department performance.
• Must be able to work well with others in a team to complete tasks.
• Must be able to demonstrate computer competency and be detail oriented. Maintain current knowledge of and comply with contents of all pertinent policy and procedure manuals.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in and out of the workplace.

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 and walk for the majority of the workday.
• Ability to sit in a static position for extended periods of time.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, radiation, reagents, radioisotopes, and infectious agents.
• Will be exposed to human blood, body fluids and tissue.
• Must wear appropriate lab coat, gloves, gowns and eye and face protection as needed.

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.